Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Ready in 30 minutes!)

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Dinnertime woes got you down? Craving something comforting yet healthy? Look no further than this recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mozzarella and Spinach! This dish takes the classic appeal of juicy chicken and melty cheese and elevates it with a delicious and nutritious spinach filling.

In under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying and healthy dinner on the table that will leave you feeling happy and nourished.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Let's Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Ready in 30 minutes!)

We all know the struggle – it's been a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But fear not, fellow home cooks, because tonight we're whipping up a super flavorful and unbelievably cheesy dish that's ready in just about 30 minutes: Mozzarella Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts!

This recipe is perfect for two, so grab your partner-in-crime (or just enjoy a delicious double serving yourself, no judgement here!).

Preparation time: 5 minutes.    Yield: 2 servings.    Cooking time: 30 minutes

Here's what we'll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied basically means carefully slicing them open like a book, but not all the way through)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese (get ready for melty goodness!)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (wilted spinach adds a lovely texture)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
  • 1 small onion, minced (aromatic base for our sauce)
  • 1 can of low-sodium crushed tomatoes (hello, quick and easy sauce!)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors)
  • 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (adds a depth of flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock (gives our sauce some body)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick!)
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste, of course!)

Now, let's get cooking!

  1. Sauté Time: First, we'll create a delicious base for our chicken. In a skillet, heat up some olive oil and sauté the onion and half of the garlic until they're nice and fragrant (think 3-4 minutes). Then, add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, then simmer over low-medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the sauce thickens up a bit. Once it's done, stir in the sugar and balsamic vinegar, and don't forget to season it with salt and pepper! Set this yummy sauce aside in a bowl.
  2. Spinach Power: While the sauce simmers, let's tackle the spinach. In another pan, heat up some more olive oil and sauté the rest of the garlic for a minute or two. Then, toss in the spinach and cook it until it wilts (about 2-3 minutes). Once it's done, set it aside with the garlic.
  3. Stuffing Magic: Now comes the fun part – stuffing the chicken! We butterflied the chicken breasts earlier, so now we can lay a slice of mozzarella on each one. Top that with the garlicky spinach, and fold the chicken breasts in half, like a delicious sandwich, to keep all the goodness inside. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick!
  4. Searing and Simmering: Time to cook our stuffed masterpieces! Heat up a skillet over medium heat with some olive oil. Sear the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes each, until it's golden brown and cooked all the way through. That cheese should be melted and bubbly – pure deliciousness!
  5. Bringing it all Together: Pour the simmering tomato sauce from earlier around the chicken breasts, letting it reheat quickly. And that's it! Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal.

Bonus Tip: If you're feeling pressed for time, you can cook the spinach and chicken while the sauce simmers. Then, just assemble everything once the chicken is cooked through.

Let us know in the comments below how your Mozzarella Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts turned out! We bet they were amazing.

Recipe Variations: Take Your Stuffed Chicken to the Next Level!

This recipe is a fantastic base, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste buds' desires! Here are some fun variations to try:

Sun-dried Tomato Twist: Add a pop of Mediterranean flavor by incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach. You can also swap half the mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangy twist.

Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Saute some chopped jalapenos or red chili flakes with the garlic in step 2. You can also drizzle Sriracha on top of the finished dish for an extra kick.

Deluxe Veggie Version: Add some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the spinach mixture for additional veggies and flavor.

Herb Heaven: For a fresh and vibrant twist, add some chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the spinach mixture.

Tips for Cheesy Perfection:

Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, try to pound the chicken breasts slightly thinner before butterflying them. This will ensure the chicken cooks through at the same time as the filling.

Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Fontina, goat cheese, or even a blend of shredded cheeses would work well.

Leakproof Stuffing: To prevent the filling from oozing out while cooking, secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks before searing.

Leftovers Love: This recipe reheats well! Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keto-Friendly Option: For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and use a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour to coat the chicken before searing.

With these variations and tips, you can create countless delicious versions of this Mozzarella Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. So have fun experimenting and enjoy this quick and flavorful weeknight meal!

Here's why this recipe is both lovable and healthy:

Lovable:

Comforting and familiar: Melty cheese and chicken are a classic combination that most people find satisfying and comforting.

Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook.

Flavorful: The combination of juicy chicken, creamy spinach, and melty cheese creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.

Customizable: With the variations mentioned earlier, you can personalize it to your taste preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Healthy:

Lean protein: Chicken breasts are a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.

Veggie power: Spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.

Controlled portions: The recipe serves two, so you can avoid overeating.

Reduced sodium: Using low-sodium crushed tomatoes keeps the overall sodium content in check.

Bonus points:

Adaptable: This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs (if using any) and can be keto-friendly with the suggested modification.

So, this Mozzarella Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe offers a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's sure to become a favorite for both its taste and its nutritional value!


Honey B.
Honey B. hi ! my name is honey i like talking about healthy foods, & healthy lifestyle. dont hesitate to visit my blog https://www.foodieaty.com/

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