Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts! This delectable dish is a tribute to my culinary journey that began at age 12, when I first cooked for my mom's birthday with the help of family and friends. After experimenting for years, I perfected this recipe to delight her with her favorite flavors. Moist, juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory blend of sautéed spinach, creamy cheeses, and crunchy breadcrumbs, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner that you'll come back to again and again.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Butterflied)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (For drizzling)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix
1 (Sprinkled on chicken)
fresh spinach
1 lb (Sautéed)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded, divided)
seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup (Mixed with spinach filling)
eggs
2 (Beaten)
black olives
1 (6 ounce) can (Sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by brining the boneless chicken breasts in a mixture of water, salt, and brown sugar for at least 45 minutes to ensure they remain juicy and flavorful. Rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Butterfly each chicken breast carefully, making a pocket without cutting all the way through. Drizzle the insides and outsides with olive oil to enhance flavor and moisture.
4
Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring even distribution.
5
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook the fresh spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and sliced black olives (if using). Mix until well combined.
6
Stuff each butterflied chicken breast generously with the spinach mixture, folding the chicken over carefully to encase the filling completely. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
7
Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of each piece.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
What are the primary ingredients for the stuffing?
The stuffing consists of sautéed fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and optional sliced black olives.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
You should brine the chicken breasts in a mixture of water, salt, and brown sugar for at least 45 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I cut the chicken to accommodate the filling?
Butterfly each chicken breast carefully to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
What specific seasoning is used for the chicken?
The recipe uses Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix sprinkled evenly over the chicken.
How long does it take to cook the spinach?
Cook the fresh spinach in a sauté pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until wilted.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the recipe?
The beaten eggs are mixed into the spinach and cheese filling to help bind the ingredients together.
How long should the stuffed chicken bake?
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.
What side dishes go well with this stuffed chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
How much spinach is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh spinach.
What types of cheese are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much olive oil is used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for drizzling the chicken.
Can I add olives to the recipe?
Yes, one 6-ounce can of sliced black olives is optional for the filling.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for seasoned breadcrumbs.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe prepare?
The recipe is designed for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How do I keep the stuffing inside the chicken?
Fold the chicken over the filling carefully and secure it with toothpicks if necessary.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was created as a tribute to the author's mother, perfected over years to include her favorite flavors.
Is the mozzarella cheese used all at once?
No, the mozzarella is divided; half goes into the filling and the other half is sprinkled on top before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as an elevated weeknight dinner option.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken is described as moist and juicy, especially due to the brining process.
What cuisine style does this recipe fall under?
The recipe is tagged as Italian cuisine.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The provided data does not specify the exact calorie or fat content.
How do I ensure the ranch seasoning is distributed well?
Sprinkle it evenly over both the insides and outsides of the butterflied chicken breasts.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of fresh spinach, though sautéed fresh spinach provides the best results for this specific filling.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How do I prepare the chicken for the brine?
Simply submerge the boneless chicken breasts in the water, salt, and brown sugar mixture.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a healthy recipe.