Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
Looking for an easy yet elegant dinner idea? This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect solution! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and three types of cheese, creating a meal that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. This dish is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve for a special occasion. Pair it with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a well-rounded meal your family will love!
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or use reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
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 grated Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Fold in the cooked spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Set the filling aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice each chicken breast along the side to create a pocket, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the prepared filling, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
- Season the tops of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes) in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Bake the Chicken:
- If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
- Bake the stuffed chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Serve:
- Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- Use a sharp knife: Creating a clean pocket in the chicken breast is easier with a sharp paring knife.
- Customize the filling: Swap the spinach for kale or add extra flavors like sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This makes transitioning from stovetop to oven seamless, reducing dishes and locking in flavor.
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and a creamy, flavorful filling. The blend of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheeses creates a luxurious texture and taste that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Try this recipe out for your next dinner and enjoy a meal full of rich flavors and cheesy goodness!
PrintStuffed Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast is a savory delight that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling. The garlic-infused spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the juicy chicken, creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Each bite delivers a combination of rich, cheesy goodness and earthy spinach that’s balanced by the tangy, sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil (or use reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
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 grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and garlic, cooking until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Once combined, gently fold in the cooked spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Use a sharp paring knife to create a pocket in each chicken breast, slicing along the side but being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the prepared filling. Sprinkle the tops of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (or the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary.
Bake:
If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
Bake the stuffed chicken at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a delicious, complete meal!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420