Description
Spinach Herb Baked Chicken features tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, cream cheese, Parmesan, and herbs. This comforting dish is first seared to golden perfection on the stovetop, then finished in the oven for juicy, flavorful results perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spinach Cheese Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking after preparing the chicken.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated to create a flavorful stuffing.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part without cutting all the way through. This will hold the spinach cheese filling.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, filling them generously. Use toothpicks if needed to secure the openings and keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. This step locks in juices and adds color.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy your flavorful stuffed chicken breasts.
Notes
- Make sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Resting the chicken after baking ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- To add extra flavor, brush the chicken with a little more olive oil or melted butter before baking.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; frozen spinach should be well-drained if substituted.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
