Description
Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts feature tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. This juicy, flavorful, and colorful dish balances savory and tart notes while being nutritious and easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs (thyme or rosemary), 1-2 teaspoons
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup goat cheese or cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until translucent. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in dried cranberries and goat cheese until well combined into a creamy filling.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through. Season the outside of each breast generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken pocket with the spinach and cranberry mixture, pressing gently to pack the stuffing without tearing the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach and high-quality cheese for best flavor.
- Do not overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Secure the filling with toothpicks if necessary while cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to maintain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Stuffed chicken breasts, spinach, cranberries, goat cheese, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, low carb, gluten free
