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Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mozzarella

juicy stuffed chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach and mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 60 g)
  • 1 cup shredded or thinly sliced mozzarella cheese (about 100 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling)
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  2. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm).
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, minced garlic, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to mix. Add the shredded mozzarella and mix gently to combine.
  4. Lay each flattened chicken breast on a cutting board. Spoon about ¼ of the spinach and mozzarella mixture onto one half of each breast. Carefully fold the other half over the filling, forming a neat pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.
  5. Heat olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  6. Transfer the skillet or move the chicken to your baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside is melted.
  7. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks or twine before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for juicy results. Pat chicken dry before stuffing to prevent filling from slipping out. Sear chicken before baking to lock in moisture. Use fresh spinach or thoroughly drain thawed frozen spinach. Avoid overstuffing to keep filling inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute juices. Tent with foil if cheese starts to ooze out during baking. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a crispier finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, spinach, mozzarella, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken, healthy chicken recipe