Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
This delightful dish combines tender chicken with a flavorful spinach and cheese filling, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- 2 pieces minced shallots
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups chopped spinach fresh
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese softened for easier mixing
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for rub
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut a pocket into each one. Set aside.
Cooking Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallots and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Divide this mixture in half.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, freshly grated parmesan cheese, cooked spinach and shallots, and half of the spice mix. Mix well until everything is combined.
Assembly
- Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto each chicken breast and season with the remaining spice mix.
- Stuff each chicken breast evenly with the spinach and cream cheese mixture until it is all used.
Baking
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a nice brown crust forms on top.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and serve fresh.
Notes
For serving, you can pair the dish with a simple salad or roasted vegetables. It goes well with rice, couscous, or a creamy pasta dish. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon right before serving for extra freshness.