Description
A delicious and healthy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful spinach and cheese mixture, baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella topping. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, then transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
- Make Filling: In the bowl with cooled spinach, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket without overstuffing. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional lemon zest.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pockets are not cut all the way through to hold the filling securely.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture when cooking the filling.
- To avoid overstuffing, fill the chicken pockets moderately to maintain shape during baking.
- You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese for a different texture.
- Adding the optional red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Check internal temperature of chicken to be at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
