Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of our dish, tender and juicy when cooked properly.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds color and nutrition to the filling.
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled: Provides that tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the filling.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Helps bind the filling and adds creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding flavor.
- Optional: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley for garnish.
Instructions
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gives it a lovely golden color.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE FILLING
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t worry if the mixture feels a little thick; it’ll spread nicely inside the chicken. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness if you like!
STEP 3: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each breast by slicing horizontally, but not all the way through. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet if it’s uneven, so it cooks evenly. This will also help tenderize the meat.
STEP 4: STUFF THE CHICKEN
Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into each chicken breast pocket, using toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary. Don’t stress about making it perfect; the filling will hold together beautifully as it cooks!
STEP 5: SEAR THE CHICKEN
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the juices, giving you that gorgeous color.
STEP 6: BAKE
Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Don’t worry if the chicken seems a little pink; just check the temperature to be safe!
STEP 7: REST AND SERVE
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 22g