– **Title**: Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese and spinach mixture, using a spoon to press it in securely.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top of the stuffed chicken breast for added crunch.
7. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Enjoy your Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey cutlets. For a juicy alternative, consider using chicken thighs—they add a bit more flavor!
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a great texture and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach is fine—just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. I prefer fresh for that vibrant taste, but don’t worry about swapping it out!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star of the filling. If you need a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or substitute with ricotta cheese for a fluffier texture. However, nothing beats the rich creaminess of traditional cream cheese, in my opinion.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add flavor and creaminess. You can swap mozzarella with provolone or even a vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option. Grated Pecorino Romano works nicely in place of Parmesan for a more robust flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its zingy taste but using garlic powder in a pinch works too. Just remember, a little goes a long way with powders—start small!
How Do I Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can look tricky, but it’s simpler than you’d think! Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Aim to leave a small border to keep the filling from spilling out.
- Don’t be afraid to press the filling inside! You can use a spoon or your hand to stuff it firmly, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
- If the pocket seems wide, use toothpicks to secure the opening after stuffing. This helps keep the filling in as the chicken cooks.
Remember, take it slow and steady! Cooking is about having fun and learning, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 large chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy your tasty stuffed chicken breasts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s ready for your chicken once you’ve prepared it!
2. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks creamy and delicious.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side. Make sure to cut deep enough to hold the filling, but don’t cut all the way through! You want to create a nice little pouch.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, fill each chicken breast with the cream cheese and spinach mixture. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the openings so that the filling doesn’t escape while cooking.
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with paprika, salt, and pepper to add flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
6. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and looking fabulous.
7. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet directly into your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Let it Rest:
When the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken even more delicious. Now, enjoy your tasty stuffed chicken breast!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and then drain any excess moisture. This will prevent your stuffing from becoming too watery. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or quick-thaw it by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and microwaving for a couple of minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Toothpicks to Secure the Chicken?
No worries! Instead of toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine to tie the chicken breasts closed. Simply wrap the twine around the stuffed pocket a few times and tie it off. This method keeps the filling inside while cooking!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals, being careful not to dry out the chicken.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the stuffing by adding ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooked bacon, or herbs like basil or dill. Just remember to balance the moisture levels to keep the stuffing from getting too soggy!
