Description
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. This flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling in place.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, drizzle with fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika before searing.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the ricotta and mozzarella for cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheese and skip the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg