Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts
A delicious and nutritious dish that combines spinach and cranberries, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (Optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
For the filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach (Chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (Softened)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, dried cranberries, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Place a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each breast.
- Carefully fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Customize the filling by adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also try stuffed chicken with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.