Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts – a classic and delicious dish that's sure to please! Here's a complete recipe with ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it turn out perfectly:
**Basic Recipe:**
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, onion, garlic, feta cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed and not too dense.
* Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, but be sure to chop it finely and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.
* Add other ingredients to the spinach mixture to give it extra flavor, such as:
+ Diced ham or bacon
+ Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms
+ Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese
+ Minced fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme
* For a spicy twist, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture.
* Try using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or ricotta.
* For a Mediterranean-inspired version, add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped Kalamata olives and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the spinach mixture.
**Other Ingredients and Cooking Methods:**
* To make this dish more substantial, serve the chicken breasts with:
+ Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots
+ Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
+ Sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon
+ Fresh salad with vinaigrette
* For a skillet-cooked version, cook the stuffed chicken breasts in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
* To make individual portions, use smaller chicken breasts or even chicken tenders, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
With these tips and variations, you'll be able to create a delicious Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast dish that suits your taste and preferences. Happy cooking!
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