Description
Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of Stuffed Chicken Delight, a recipe perfect for any special occasion or a comforting family meal. This dish features chicken breasts filled with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. A golden sear followed by oven baking ensures each bite is irresistibly juicy and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Filling:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the spinach and garlic until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let it cool. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Set this filling aside while preparing the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken fillets dry and use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut a pocket along the side of each fillet. Fill each pocket generously with the prepared stuffing. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and papaprika. Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken on each side until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Bake
Transfer the seared chicken to an oven-safe dish (if your skillet is not oven-safe) and bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
Servings: Serves 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist.
Conclusion
The delightful combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant flavors from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes makes this Stuffed Chicken Delight not just a meal but an experience. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, it promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy crafting this dish that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes.
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Stuffed Chicken Delight
- Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of Stuffed Chicken Delight, a recipe perfect for any special occasion or a comforting family meal. This dish features chicken breasts filled with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. A golden sear followed by oven baking ensures each bite is irresistibly juicy and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Preheat the oven and sauté spinach and garlic. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, and spices.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut pockets in chicken fillets, fill with the prepared stuffing, season, and sear in a skillet.
- Bake: Transfer seared chicken to an oven-safe dish and bake until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes