Herb-Infused Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze
Indulge in these succulent boneless skinless chicken thighs, generously filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, fresh wilted spinach, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a touch of paprika, this dish presents a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of honey creates a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the rich filling, making it an outstanding choice for a cozy dinner. Serve alongside vibrant steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, and a refreshing fruit salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
6 (Clean and pat dry)
Mushrooms
4 ounces (Sliced)
Fresh spinach
1/2 ounce (Washed and chopped)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Monterey Jack cheese
3 ounces (Shredded)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Dried tarragon
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Honey
3 tablespoons (For drizzling)
Water
1/2 cup (For baking)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 ounce (For topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. Lay them out on a clean cutting board, inside facing up.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, slice the mushrooms and sauté them with the salt and pepper until they are nicely browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4
Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves, removing any thick stems. Chop the spinach finely and add it to the sautéed mushrooms, tossing them together until the spinach is just wilted.
5
Evenly distribute about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and mushroom filling onto each chicken thigh. If you have extra filling, divide it among the thighs.
6
Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the filling on each thigh.
7
Fold the chicken thighs over the filling and secure them closed with toothpicks, using about three per thigh for a secure seal.
8
Place the stuffed chicken thighs in a pie dish. Season the top of the thighs with paprika, crushed tarragon, and garlic salt to taste. Drizzle honey generously over each thigh.
9
Pour 1/2 cup of water into the base of the pie dish, not over the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.
11
In the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 ounce of Monterey Jack cheese over the tops of the thighs and allow it to melt beautifully.
12
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve the stuffed chicken thighs with a side of steamed veggies, fluffy rice, and a colorful fruit salad to elevate your dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein used is six boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What are the chicken thighs stuffed with?
They are stuffed with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, finely chopped fresh spinach, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are nicely browned.
What type of cheese is recommended for this dish?
Monterey Jack cheese is used both inside the filling and as a topping.
How do I secure the chicken thighs after stuffing them?
Fold the chicken over the filling and secure them closed using about three toothpicks per thigh.
What seasonings are applied to the top of the chicken?
The tops are seasoned with paprika, crushed dried tarragon, and garlic salt.
How much honey is used for the glaze?
You should use 3 tablespoons of honey to drizzle over the thighs.
Why is water added to the baking dish?
Adding 1/2 cup of water to the base of the dish helps keep the chicken moist during the baking process.
How long does the chicken need to bake in total?
The chicken bakes for a total of 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
When should the topping cheese be added?
Add the remaining 1 ounce of Monterey Jack cheese during the final 5 minutes of baking.
What side dishes go well with these stuffed chicken thighs?
Suggested sides include steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, and a refreshing fruit salad.
Should the chicken be rinsed before cooking?
The instructions suggest rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry before preparation.
How much filling should I put in each thigh?
Distribute about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and mushroom filling onto each chicken thigh.
Do I need to cook the spinach separately?
No, the spinach is added to the hot sautéed mushrooms and tossed until it is just wilted.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of sliced mushrooms; button or cremini mushrooms work well.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed dried tarragon.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
The dish is covered tightly with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then uncovered for the final 15 minutes.
How many chicken thighs does this recipe prepare?
This recipe is designed for 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What is the purpose of the garlic salt?
Garlic salt is used as a seasoning for the exterior of the chicken to enhance its savory flavor.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its creaminess, you could substitute it with Mozzarella or Havarti.
What preparation is needed for the spinach?
The spinach should be washed, have thick stems removed, and be finely chopped.
Should I pour the water over the chicken?
No, pour the 1/2 cup of water into the base of the pie dish, avoiding the chicken itself.
What does the honey add to the dish?
The honey creates a subtle sweetness that complements the savory herbs and rich mushroom filling.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for seasoning the tops of the thighs.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute.
How much total cheese is required?
The recipe requires a total of 4 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese (3 for filling, 1 for topping).
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but thighs are preferred for their succulence; breasts may require shorter cooking times to avoid drying out.
What kind of baking dish is best?
A standard pie dish is recommended for holding the thighs and the added water.
Are the mushrooms seasoned during sautéing?
Yes, the mushrooms are sautéed with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and fresh ground pepper.