Description
Juicy chicken breasts nestled with Mediterranean roasted pepper and feta create a delightful dinner sensation. Bold flavors and simple preparation ensure you’ll savor this elegant meal that brings Mediterranean charm right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the culinary workspace to a toasty 375F (190C), creating an ideal thermal environment for transforming raw ingredients.
- Craft a vibrant filling by blending verdant spinach, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic Italian seasoning into a harmonious mixture.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a delicate pocket for the luxurious filling. Generously season the exterior with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Gently stuff each chicken breast with the prepared cheese medley, ensuring a generous yet controlled distribution. Secure the openings with toothpicks to maintain structural integrity.
- Ignite a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a golden searing surface. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts, developing a rich caramelized exterior for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Seamlessly transition the skillet from stovetop to preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165F (75C), ensuring complete culinary transformation.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a brief 5-minute interlude, permitting juices to redistribute. Delicately remove toothpicks before presenting this gastronomic masterpiece.
Notes
- Customize the filling by swapping spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a nutrient-packed alternative.
- Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella to create a lighter version of this dish without compromising flavor.
- Choose organic, free-range chicken breasts for better texture and more ethical protein source.
- Prevent cheese leakage by carefully sealing the pocket and not overstuffing the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg