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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - ½ cup ricotta cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup cream cheese, softened - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish To make this dish shine, choose fresh ingredients. Look for chicken breasts that are pink and firm. Fresh spinach should be bright green and crisp. For the cheeses, get the best quality you can find. This adds depth to the flavor. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese can work as a substitute. For a richer taste, try using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. Don’t worry if you don’t have fresh garlic; garlic powder is a fine alternative. Feel free to mix in other greens too. Kale or Swiss chard can add a different twist to the filling. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. 3. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you have a creamy filling. 4. For safe handling, wash your hands and all surfaces after touching raw chicken. 5. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Make the cut deep, but do not cut all the way through. 1. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Wait until it's hot. 2. Stuff each chicken breast with the creamy spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed. 3. Place the stuffed chicken in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. 4. Move the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 5. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step helps keep it juicy. 6. Serve garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. To make sure your chicken stays juicy, follow these tips: - Use a meat thermometer. Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures it stays moist. - Don't overcook. Keep an eye on the baking time. Check it at 20 minutes. - Let it rest. Resting chicken for 5 minutes helps keep it tender and juicy. For the creamy filling, here’s how to get it just right: - Mix thoroughly. Combine the spinach, cheeses, and seasonings well. This creates a smooth texture. - Adjust creaminess. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream. This keeps the filling soft and creamy. Garnishing makes your dish look great. Here are some ideas: - Add cherry tomatoes. Halve them and scatter them around the chicken. They add color and flavor. - Use fresh basil. Place a few leaves on top. This adds a fresh touch and bright flavor. - Serve on a colorful plate. A bright plate enhances the dish's look and makes it more appealing. For serving, consider these suggestions: - Pair with a light salad. A simple green salad complements the dish well. - Serve with crusty bread. This adds texture and is great for soaking up any sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and texture. Avoid frozen spinach as it can release excess moisture, making the filling watery. Secure the Stuffing: If you're having trouble keeping the filling inside the chicken, use kitchen twine to tie the chicken breasts closed instead of toothpicks for a more secure hold. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist when you slice into it. {{image_2}} If you want to change up the flavors, you can easily swap out some ingredients. For the cheese, you can use feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta. Both will add a different taste and texture. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to squeeze out the water before mixing it in. For a fun twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes to the filling. These rogue ingredients bring a burst of flavor. You can also use different herbs like fresh dill or parsley instead of Italian seasoning. This will make each stuffed chicken unique. If you follow a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy this dish. Use a low-carb cheese, like cream cheese or mozzarella, to keep the carbs low. You can also skip the cherry tomatoes for a side dish. Instead, serve it with a salad or steamed veggies. If you need a gluten-free option, you’re in luck! This recipe is already gluten-free. Just make sure any added ingredients, like seasoning mixes, are also gluten-free. Enjoy this delicious stuffed chicken while sticking to your diet! To keep your stuffed chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Make sure to store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days without losing quality. When reheating, avoid drying out the chicken. Use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Add a splash of water to the dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid hot spots. This method ensures even reheating for a tasty meal. Cooking stuffed chicken takes about 50 minutes. This includes 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking time. You will sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side and then bake it for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you must thaw them first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough. This dish pairs nicely with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add balance to the meal and enhance the flavors of the stuffed chicken. Enjoy! This post covered everything you need for a great stuffed chicken meal. I shared the best ingredients, cooking steps, and expert tips. You can create variations for different diets and store leftovers safely. Remember, the key is to choose fresh ingredients and allow your chicken to rest after cooking. With practice, you’ll master this dish and impress your family or friends. Enjoy cooking and making it your own!

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, baked to perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
  • none Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined into a creamy filling.
  • Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with an equal amount of the creamy spinach filling. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve the stuffed chicken garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword chicken, Parmesan, spinach, stuffed chicken