Description
Succulent Stuffed Chicken Delight brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with rich herbed cheese and spinach nestled inside tender chicken breasts. Crispy golden edges and elegant plating promise a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken fillets
Filling:
- 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ⅓ cup Parmesan, grated
Seasonings and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to create an ideal roasting environment while gently wilting fresh spinach with aromatic garlic in a sizzling pan.
- Craft a luxurious filling by blending the sautéed spinach mixture with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, velvety cream cheese, melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a harmonious blend of herbs and spices.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken fillet, creating a delicate pocket for the sumptuous filling, ensuring minimal tears in the meat.
- Generously stuff each chicken fillet with the prepared mixture, securing the edges to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Season the exterior of the chicken with a delicate blend of salt, pepper, and complementary herbs to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Sear the stuffed chicken fillets in a hot skillet, developing a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and creates a tantalizing exterior.
- Gently transfer the partially cooked chicken to a preheated oven-safe dish, allowing the intense heat to cook the chicken thoroughly and melt the internal cheese mixture.
- Roast until the chicken reaches perfect doneness, with juices running clear and the internal temperature indicating safe consumption.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final dish before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Master this stuffed chicken by ensuring even pocket cuts to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts with consistent thickness for uniform cooking and better presentation.
- Pat chicken dry before creating pockets to help seasoning adhere and promote better searing results.
- Avoid overstuffing chicken to prevent splitting and ensure proper sealing during the cooking process.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption and juicy texture.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg