Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy spinach and sun-dried tomato filling, seasoned with smoky spices, then baked to golden perfection.
Time: 60 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, extra for sauce
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, extra for sauce
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream, plus extra for sauce
* 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Parsley for garnish, if desired
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, dried tomatoes & minced garlic, until combined.
3. After washing chicken, pat dry, then cut a horizontal slit through the center of each chicken breast to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
4. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika; season the outside and inside of the chicken breasts evenly.
5. Stuff each chicken breast evenly with the spinach and cheese mixture.
6. Secure pockets with toothpicks if needed.
7. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. In a separate saucepan, heat some heavy cream, cheese, seasonings, and extra spinach & sun-dried tomatoes (if desired) and mix until combined well and heated through. Pour over chicken
10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
11. Remove toothpicks & let rest for 5 minutes, then serve, garnished with fresh parsley.
Stuffed chicken breast recipes like this one featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spinach offer a delicious and protein-packed meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of creamy cheeses such as cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich filling that complements the smoky spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, enhancing the savory flavor profile. Incorporating sun-dried tomatoes not only adds a delightful tangy sweetness but also improves the dish's nutritional value by providing vitamins and antioxidants. To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly and remain juicy, it’s important to create a pocket without cutting all the way through and secure the stuffing properly with toothpicks. Searing the stuffed chicken in olive oil before baking helps lock in moisture and develop a beautiful golden crust, while transferring the skillet to the oven completes the cooking process safely and evenly. For an extra luscious finish, making a creamy sauce with heavy cream, additional cheese, herbs, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes adds a comforting, velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note to balance the richness. This type of recipe is versatile—you can swap the cheeses or add different herbs to suit your taste. Serving this dish with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad makes a balanced and satisfying meal. Additionally, using fresh spinach and quality sun-dried tomatoes ensures an authentic and flavorful experience. Remember to let the chicken rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.
