Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
This Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken offers a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare, featuring tender chicken breasts generously filled with a creamy, garlicky spinach and mozzarella mixture.
For 2 servings
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Prepare chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps with even cooking and makes stuffing easier.
Create pockets: Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
Prepare stuffing: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess liquid. In a small bowl, combine the wilted spinach, diced mozzarella, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Stuff chicken: Evenly divide the spinach-mozzarella mixture and carefully stuff it into the pockets of each chicken breast. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed. Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Sear chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended) over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
Rest and serve: Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist chicken.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overstuff the chicken breasts; leave a little room to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks.
- 2Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 74°C (165°F) for food safety and optimal tenderness, avoiding dry chicken.
- 3For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture or a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 4If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer it to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling Swap
Experiment with other fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, or sautéed mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the spinach mixture or rub them on the chicken exterior before searing.
Creamy SauceCreamy Sauce
After baking, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, then stir in a touch of heavy cream and Parmesan for a simple pan sauce to serve over the chicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Spinach provides a wealth of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as folate and iron, supporting bone health, vision, and energy.
Calcium Boost
Mozzarella cheese contributes calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth, and also offers additional protein.
Frequently asked questions
Ensure you don't cut all the way through the chicken breast when creating the pocket. Don't overstuff, and if necessary, use one or two toothpicks to secure the opening before searing and baking.
