Description
A flavorful dish with tender chicken and a creamy spinach filling, perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Butterfly each chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through.
- Pat dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and spinach for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Transfer spinach to a bowl, mix in cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the remaining oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is properly butterflied to create enough space for the filling. Do not overstuff the chicken to avoid spilling during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg