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Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This dish features tender chicken breasts pounded thin, filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, spinach, herbs, and garlic, then seared until golden and finished in the oven. The result is a crispy exterior with a juicy, cheesy, and herb-infused interior, making for an elegant yet straightforward meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts thick, uniform size for even cooking
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella or preferred cheese blend
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs basil, parsley, or thyme, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing and brushing

Equipment

  • Kitchen mallet
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Skillet or ovenproof pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine
  • Basting brush
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, avoiding cutting all the way through, then pound each piece with a mallet until about 1.5 cm thick. This ensures even cooking and a good surface for stuffing.
  2. Combine chopped spinach, shredded cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well to create a flavorful filling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Spoon a generous amount of the filling into each pocket, then seal the opening with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil, and once hot, sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) or move the chicken to a baking dish, then roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the filling is bubbling.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine, then slice each piece to reveal the gooey, cheesy filling inside.
  7. Serve hot, drizzled with a little olive oil or a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy the juicy, crispy, cheesy goodness of these stuffed chicken breasts.