Description
Chicken breasts are stuffed with a delicious mixture of tangy cranberries, savory spinach, and a blend of spices. The perfect balance of flavors makes this a festive and wholesome meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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½ cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries for a sweeter version)
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese for a tangier flavor)
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1 tablespoon honey (optional, if you prefer a sweeter stuffing)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Sides:
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Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes)
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Mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower
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Rice pilaf
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Green beans almondine
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carefully butterfly them. To do this, slice each chicken breast horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through. You should be able to open the chicken like a book, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
Once the chicken is butterflied, season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a nice, savory base to complement the stuffing.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cranberries, cream cheese, and feta cheese. If you’re using fresh cranberries, you can either chop them finely or leave them whole for bursts of tartness throughout the stuffing. If you prefer a sweeter version, dried cranberries work well, as they add a bit of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the feta and cream cheese.
Add honey to the mixture if you want to introduce a touch of sweetness to your stuffing. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The cream cheese will help bind the ingredients together, while the feta adds a bit of richness and tang to the mix.
Carefully spoon the stuffing mixture into the pockets of each chicken breast. Be generous with the stuffing, but make sure not to overstuff, as it might spill out during cooking. Once the chicken breasts are stuffed, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure them, making sure the stuffing stays in place while cooking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step helps create a crispy exterior while locking in the moisture and flavor inside the chicken.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After searing the chicken breasts, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to finish cooking for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
While the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, you can prepare your sides if you wish. Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes make great accompaniments to this dish.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more tender and juicy. Before serving, remove the toothpicks or twine carefully.
Garnish the stuffed chicken breasts with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the chicken alongside your favorite sides for a complete, elegant meal that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 30-35g