Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Looking to impress your dinner guests or elevate your weeknight meals? Look no further than this delectable recipe for Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sweet cranberries to create a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cranberries, dried
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Cooking strings or toothpicks for securing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach, dried cranberries, cream cheese, feta cheese, and thyme (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
  3. Generously fill each chicken pocket with the spinach and cranberry mixture, then secure the openings with cooking strings or toothpicks to hold in the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. In an oven-safe skillet, heat a bit more olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Serve

Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. For an elegant presentation, drizzle with balsamic reduction or garnish with fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Enjoy!

This Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this dish will make you the star of your kitchen. Give it a try, and your taste buds will thank you!