Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a cheesy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, feta, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, seared to develop a golden crust, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Filling
- 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
- 4 oz. room temperature cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, mix together chopped fresh spinach, cream cheese cubes, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, half the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash the cream cheese into the mixture, ensuring the filling binds well.
- Heat oil: Warm olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken breasts.
- Season chicken: Season the outside of each chicken breast with the remaining Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Create pockets: Cut a small slit along the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff chicken: Divide the prepared filling evenly and stuff each chicken breast pocket as full as possible with the mixture.
- Sear chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot sauté pan and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until a golden brown crust forms. Sear in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Bake chicken: Transfer the sauté pan to the preheated oven (ensure the pan is oven-safe) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, with no pink inside, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and additional crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
- Ensure the sauté pan is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven, or transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish if not.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends better and helps the filling bind well.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- To save time, prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to stuff the chicken.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute some cheeses with lower-fat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian