Ingredients
- 4 8-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 oz fresh spinach (chopped)
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium Roma tomato (thinly sliced into 8 slices)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket through each breast and set aside.
- Place spinach in a large bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes or sauté on the stove for 3-5 minutes until wilted. Let cool until warm, not hot.
- In another bowl, mash softened cream cheese and minced garlic together. Stir in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Squeeze excess water from spinach and mix into the cream cheese mixture.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket evenly with spinach mixture. Use toothpicks placed horizontally to seal the pockets.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Top each chicken breast with 2 tomato slices and 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake about 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If desired, broil for 1-3 minutes to brown cheese, watching to prevent burning.
Notes
Serving size: one stuffed chicken breast., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days; remove toothpicks before storing or eating., You can prepare and sear stuffed chicken breasts up to 3 days in advance; refrigerate until ready to bake., Cooked or uncooked stuffed chicken breast can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating or baking., Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or in short bursts in the microwave (oven reheating maintains better texture)., Use a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken (not filling) to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety., Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing to brown chicken evenly and cook faster., If broiling cheese, watch carefully to avoid burning., Avoid overstuffing pockets and squeeze out spinach water thoroughly to prevent filling leaks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: /
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 395
- Fat: 15.4g
- Carbohydrates: 4.3g total carbs, 3.1g net carbs
- Protein: 57.3g