Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Garlic Butter

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy spinach stuffed chicken breasts topped with luscious garlic butter. This mouthwatering dish not only elevates your dinner table but also serves as a great meal prep option for busy weeknights. With each bite, you’ll experience a perfect blend of juicy chicken, creamy filling, and aromatic garlic butter.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spinach Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted if using fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s heated through.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice a pocket into each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the creamy spinach filling, using toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary.

Cook the Chicken

1. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).

Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

Serve

1. Once the chicken is done, drizzle garlic butter over the stuffed chicken breasts.
2. Serve immediately with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• Chicken Selection: Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. If they are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness.
• Creamy Filling Variations: Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different taste profile.
• Meal Prep: Stuff and sear the chicken ahead of time, then store in the refrigerator. Just bake when ready to serve.

Pairing Suggestions

This creamy spinach stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Quinoa salad
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Food Photography Ideas

To create mouthwatering images of your dish:

• Capture the meal in natural light.
• Use a simple background to let the dish stand out.
• Include fresh ingredients in the frame to evoke the cooking process.

Further Reading and Resources

For more culinary inspiration, check out these articles:

• How to Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time
• The Ultimate Guide to Stuffing Chicken Breasts
• Creative Spinach Recipes

Explore these resources to enhance your cooking skills and broaden your culinary repertoire.

With its creamy texture and rich flavors, Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Garlic Butter is a dish that will wow your family and friends. Dive into the experience of making this delightful meal and watch as it becomes a favorite in your household. Enjoy your cooking adventure!