Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
331 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Description
The Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Recipe centers on chicken breasts carefully butterflied then filled with a soft blend of thawed spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and oregano. This filling balances creaminess and savory notes. The seasoned chicken is baked at a moderate temperature to ensure the meat remains moist while the filling heats through and even browns slightly on top from the mozzarella. The mix of textures includes tender chicken and creamy, slightly chunky filling accented by the artichokes' slight bite.
The preparation involves draining excess moisture from the spinach to prevent sogginess, then combining it with the soft cheeses and seasonings before stuffing the chicken breasts. This recipe suits dinners aiming for a comforting yet somewhat elevated protein option, pairing well with simple sides like roasted vegetables or rice.
For best results, avoid slicing the chicken breasts all the way through during butterflying to hold the filling well. The recipe also allows some prep flexibility, including prepping the stuffing and slicing the chicken in advance. Cooked leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer storage, reheated preferably in an oven to maintain texture.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breast about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds, medium-sized
- 6 ounces spinach thawed, frozen
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature, softened*
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese finely shredded
- ½ cup artichoke hearts drained, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil olive or avocado, generic cooking oil
- parsley finely chopped, optional, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: Add chicken breasts to a cutting board. Place your non-dominant hand on the top of one (making sure your fingers are out of the way!) and then insert a sharp knife into the thinner side of the meat. Carefully cut the breast in half using a sawing motion, stopping before you cut all of the way through. Once you get about halfway, begin to create more of a pocket which will help hold some of the filling in.
- Make the Spinach Filling: Using either a cheese cloth or paper towels, drain the thawed spinach to remove any excess liquid. Add the drained spinach, softened cream cheese, Mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, minced garlic, oregano, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to a medium-sized bowl. Mix with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
- Stuff Chicken with Filling: Carefully fill each chicken breast with equal amounts of the spinach artichoke filling. (About ⅓ to ½-cup will fit into each one.) Then sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over all sides of the breasts.
- Sear and Bake: Add oil to a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, or until seared, and then flip the chicken over. Add skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking for 22-24 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Serve chicken with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a uniform filling, warming slightly in the microwave if needed.
- Butterfly chicken breasts carefully, stopping halfway to create a pocket rather than cutting through.
- You can prepare the chicken and filling in advance and keep assembled chicken in the refrigerator up to one day before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3-4 months for longer storage.
- Reheat stuffed chicken preferably in the oven to maintain texture; microwaving is possible but may alter consistency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 331 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 331kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 104mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 852mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 593mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 4615IU | 92% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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