Savory Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes
Delight in the flavors of our Savory Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes, a wholesome and mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy, plump tomatoes serve as the vessel for a delicious filling of tender, seasoned chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and creamy Swiss cheese. The dish is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the cheese becomes golden and bubbly. It's a colorful, nutrient-packed meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy it as a fulfilling main course or pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. Share this comforting creation and savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Skim milk
1 cup
Flour
1/4 cup
Chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons
Swiss cheese
4 slices (Cut up)
Cooked chicken
2 cups (Shredded or diced)
Frozen spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed and drained)
Large tomatoes
4 (Tops cut off and insides scooped out)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, add 1/4 cup of water and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes tender, about 5 minutes.
3
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the skim milk, flour, and chicken bouillon until smooth.
4
Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the onions. Cook and stir continuously until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5
Once thickened, add the chopped Swiss cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts completely. Set aside.
6
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, thawed and drained spinach, and 1 cup of the cheese sauce. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
7
Prepare the tomatoes by cutting off the tops and scooping out the insides carefully. Stuff each tomato generously with the chicken and spinach mixture.
8
Place the stuffed tomatoes into an 8x8 inch baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of water around the tomatoes to help keep them moist during baking.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops are golden and the tomatoes are hot and tender.
10
Serve the stuffed tomatoes warm, drizzled with the remaining cheese sauce for added creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes, which features large tomatoes filled with a mixture of chicken, spinach, and cheese.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of Swiss cheese, cut up and melted into the sauce.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 large tomatoes with the tops cut off and the insides scooped out.
Does the chicken need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, you should use 2 cups of already cooked chicken that is either shredded or diced.
What type of spinach is recommended?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
How do I make the white sauce for the filling?
Whisk skim milk, flour, and chicken bouillon together until smooth, then cook with sautéed onions until thickened.
How long should I cook the onions?
Cook the chopped onions in 1/4 cup of water for about 5 minutes until they become tender.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 8x8 inch baking dish is recommended for placing the stuffed tomatoes.
Why is water added to the baking dish?
Adding 1/2 cup of water around the tomatoes in the dish helps keep them moist during the baking process.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and 10 minutes uncovered.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
Can I use skim milk for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of skim milk.
How much chicken bouillon is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon.
How much onion should I use?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How is the filling prepared?
Combine the cooked chicken and drained spinach with 1 cup of the prepared cheese sauce.
What do I do with the remaining cheese sauce?
The remaining cheese sauce should be drizzled over the warm stuffed tomatoes when serving.
How do I prepare the tomatoes before stuffing?
Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and carefully scoop out the insides to create a vessel for the filling.
Is flour necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of flour is used as a thickening agent for the milk and bouillon mixture.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should cook it down and drain it well to match the consistency of the 10-ounce frozen package.
What texture should the sauce have before adding cheese?
The sauce should be cooked and stirred until it thickens, which typically takes 3 to 5 minutes.
How do I ensure the tomatoes are cooked through?
Baking them for a total of 40 minutes ensures they are hot, tender, and the tops are golden.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include stuffed tomatoes, chicken recipe, spinach, baked dish, and healthy meal.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the recipe description notes it as a comforting creation with creamy cheese and tender chicken.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient choice for the 2 cups of cooked chicken.
What should I serve with stuffed tomatoes?
They can be served as a fulfilling main course or paired with a fresh side salad.
How many grams of flour are used?
The recipe specifies volume: 1/4 cup of flour.
Can I substitute Swiss cheese with another type?
While Swiss is recommended for flavor, mozzarella or provolone could also work as substitutes.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The recipe does not specify greasing, as 1/2 cup of water is added to the dish instead.
What should the final appearance of the dish be?
The tomatoes should be tender and the cheese filling on top should be golden and bubbly.