Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach-Cheese Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Slice the Chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts about ¾ of the way through the chicken, spacing the cuts about ½ inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the seasoning gets into the cuts.
2. Make the Spinach-Cheese Filling
- Sauté the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding it to the skillet. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff the Chicken
- Fill the Pockets: Spoon the spinach-cheese mixture into each cut of the chicken breast. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of filling per slit, ensuring the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil (Optional): For a golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
- Plate: Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g