Description
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food – Spinach Stuffed Chicken! This delectable dish combines the savory goodness of tender chicken breasts with the nutritious punch of fresh spinach and creamy cheese. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Sauté the Spinach
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and sauté until it’s wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the spinach from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well-incorporated, creating a delicious spinach filling.
Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon the spinach filling into the pockets, dividing it evenly among the breasts. If needed, you can secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place.
Bake the Stuffed Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve
Once the Spinach Stuffed Chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful dish. Remove any toothpicks or twine, and serve the stuffed chicken hot and ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Make sure to arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer, with a little space between each one.
- Use Toothpicks or Twine: Securing the stuffed chicken breasts can help the filling stay in place during baking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the Spinach Stuffed Chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg