1. Prepare the Spinach Filling

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach (if using fresh spinach, be sure to wash it thoroughly before cooking). Cook the spinach until wilted, which should take about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.

Once the spinach has wilted, season it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Remove from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly. Afterward, mix in the cream cheese (or ricotta) and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.

2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

While the spinach is cooling, prepare the chicken breasts. Place them on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast. Slice horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breast, leaving one side intact to form a pocket. Repeat this process with all four chicken breasts.

Once the pockets are created, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Take the spinach mixture and carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the filling. Use a spoon to scoop the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket, packing it in tightly but making sure not to overfill. You should have enough filling to stuff all four chicken breasts. If any filling spills out, just press it back into the pocket or around the edges.

4. Sear the Chicken Breasts

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown. This step helps to create a nice sear on the chicken, which adds flavor and texture to the dish.

5. Bake the Chicken Breasts

After searing the chicken, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (350°F or 175°C) to finish cooking. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare your side dishes. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad are great accompaniments for this meal.

6. Serve the Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve the Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with your choice of sides, and enjoy the rich, cheesy filling paired with the tender, juicy chicken.