Description
Delightful Spinach Stuffed Chicken emerges as a savory masterpiece blending tender chicken with creamy spinach filling. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance across each bite, promising a gourmet experience you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
Stuffing Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Seasoning and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and coat with olive oil, ensuring an even surface for seasoning.
- Create a spice blend using paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, thoroughly seasoning both sides of the chicken.
- Carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, maintaining structural integrity and avoiding cutting completely through.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt until uniformly combined.
- Meticulously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach mixture, distributing evenly to ensure consistent flavor throughout.
- Arrange stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, positioning them without overcrowding.
- Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken is fully cooked and internal juices appear clear and transparent.
- Remove from oven and allow a brief resting period of 3-5 minutes before serving to help retain moisture and enhance flavor profile.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create even pockets without cutting through completely, ensuring uniform stuffing distribution.
- Mix cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, easier blending with other filling ingredients, preventing lumpy texture.
- Drain spinach thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy filling and maintaining optimal consistency.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative for those watching calorie intake, without compromising the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg