Description
Succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and garlic. Seared to golden perfection then baked in the oven, this dish offers a delicious, hearty meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Toothpicks to secure the chicken
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into each breast about three-fourths of the way through. Season the inside and outside of each breast with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic. Mix well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the prepared filling into each chicken breast pocket, making sure not to overfill. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and paprika evenly over the top of each stuffed chicken breast to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks, slicing, and serving. This resting time allows juices to redistribute for tender, moist chicken.
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the chicken pockets to prevent filling from spilling during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor; if unavailable, roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before searing, if desired.
