Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
This delightful Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a flavorful and elegant dinner option. Tender chicken breasts are generously stuffed with a savory mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, dried cranberries, and mozzarella cheese, then seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection. This dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a special weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined to create a flavorful stuffing.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, if using.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the prepared spinach and cranberry filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to keep the chicken juicy.
- To make the preparation easier, soften cream cheese slightly by leaving it at room temperature before mixing.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, spinach chicken, cranberry chicken, cream cheese stuffed chicken, easy dinner recipes, healthy stuffed chicken