Description
This Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious, elegant dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and goat cheese mixture, complemented by caramelized onions and sautéed baby bella mushrooms. Baked to perfection, it’s a savory meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups organic spinach
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, make six slits (hasselback style) into the top of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Drizzle each breast with a portion of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Spinach: Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and sprinkle with garlic powder. Stir occasionally and cook until the spinach is fully wilted.
- Make Filling: Transfer the cooked spinach to a medium bowl, add the goat cheese, and mix well until fully combined.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully stuff each slit on the chicken breasts with the spinach and goat cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced onions, baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and the optional balsamic vinegar. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until onions caramelize and mushrooms turn golden brown. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet to make room for the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring some space between them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor; consider mixing in ¼ cup shredded mozzarella if using cream cheese for additional creaminess.
- Ensure to not cut through the chicken breast completely to hold the stuffing securely in place.
- Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to transition directly from stovetop to oven without transferring the food.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
