Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: A succulent, creamy delight bursting with cheese and spinach. Made with tender chicken breast and seasoned to perfection, this low-carb, keto-friendly dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
In a mixing bowl, blend together chili, onion, garlic, and pepper powders with a pinch of salt and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs. Stir these ingredients until evenly mixed, creating a rich and aromatic seasoning blend. Keep this mix aside for later use.
Preparing Fillings
Place cream cheese in a bowl. With a fork, gently soften the cheese, ensuring it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. This forms the creamy base of your filling.
Incorporate parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, chili flakes, pepper powder, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, and spinach. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Set this filling aside for later use.
Preparing Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Begin by placing each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit along the side of each breast to create a pocket, as illustrated in the picture. Ensure the pocket is deep enough for the filling.
Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts, gently rubbing it across each piece to ensure an even coat. Then, generously apply the reserved seasoning mix, rubbing it thoroughly on both sides of the breasts for an even flavor distribution.
Carefully spoon 2 tablespoons of the reserved cream cheese spinach filling into the pockets of each chicken breast. Note that this quantity is based on using medium to large-sized breasts. For smaller breasts, adjust the amount of filling accordingly to ensure a balanced stuffing without overfilling.
Carefully transfer the stuffed chicken breasts onto an oil-greased baking tray, arranging them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are thoroughly cooked. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the breasts. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the tray from the oven. Your Baked Spinach Stuffed Chicken is now ready to delight your palate.
Serving
Serve your Baked Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with a side of your choice for a complete meal. For more pairing ideas, refer to the Serving Suggestions section to enhance your dining experience.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make the perfect Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
Chicken Breast Preparation: To properly stuff the chicken, make a horizontal slit along the side of each breast, creating a pocket-like space. For medium to large breasts, allocate 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling each. This technique ensures the stuffing is securely held and evenly distributed.
Even Thickness of Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts are still cooking.
Securing the Stuffing: Optionally use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts after stuffing. This helps keep the filling intact and prevents it from oozing out during baking.
Personalized Seasoning Mix: Tailor the seasoning blend to your family's palate, crafting a flavor profile that's uniquely yours. For more ideas, explore the array of seasonings available on our blog.
Optimal Cooking Time: Bake the chicken breasts at 375°F for about 40 minutes, but be mindful that the size of the breasts can affect cooking time. Larger breasts may require additional time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they're cooked through.
Resting Time Post-Baking: Allow the baked chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. Resting helps the chicken retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
Checking for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) recommended by FDA at the thickest part of the breast.
Keep the Chicken Moist: Brine the chicken breasts by soaking them in warm, salted water for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This process helps keep them moist and tender even after cooking. Drain the breasts well before using them in your recipe.