Creamy Chicken and Spinach
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
595 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Chicken and Spinach
Description
The dish begins by butterflying and seasoning chicken breasts, then stuffing each with slices of mozzarella. The chicken is pan-seared to develop a golden exterior, then baked until cooked through. Meanwhile, a sauce is prepared by sautéing garlic in butter, adding flour to create a roux, and whisking in chicken broth and heavy cream until thickened. Parmesan and spinach are incorporated to add richness and freshness. The roasted chicken is added to the sauce for a brief simmer, melding flavors and finishing the dish.
The creamy texture contrasts with the melted mozzarella inside the chicken, making this a hearty main suitable for serving over rice or pasta. The spinach adds color and a mild vegetal note to the rich sauce.
If you don't have an oven-proof skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish to finish cooking, extending roasting time slightly as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. Securing the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks can help hold the filling in place.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast 6-7 ounces each, boneless skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 8 lices mozzarella cheese about 4 ounces total
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 cups spinach or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, butterfly horizontally (do not cut all the way through). Season with salt and pepper, add two slices of mozzarella, and fold each chicken breast closed.
- In an ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 18-20 minutes.
- While the chicken is roasting, in a medium saucepan melt the butter on medium, then cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add flour, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- While whisking gradually add chicken broth, and whisk until smooth. Add in heavy cream and continue to whisk until thickened and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan and add the spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and add to the saucepan simmering them together for 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice or potatoes.
Notes
- Secure stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep them closed while cooking.
- If adding vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli to the sauce, cook them with garlic in butter before making the sauce.
- If using a non-oven-proof pan, transfer chicken to a baking dish and increase cooking time by 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 595 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 595 | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 214mg | 71% |
| Sodium | 752mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 814mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2606IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 365mg | 37% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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