Juicy Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Cheesy Mediterranean Goodness
🌿 Introduction
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these restaurant-worthy stuffed chicken breasts! Each golden-seared chicken breast bursts with a creamy spinach, artichoke, and three-cheese filling that melts into every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is:
✅ Impressive yet easy – Perfect for date nights or dinner parties
✅ Protein-packed – 35g protein per serving
✅ Low-carb friendly – Great with veggies or salad
✅ Meal-prep ready – Reheats beautifully for lunches
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Filling:
- 1 cup (150g) fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup (120g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan
- ½ cup (120g) artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
(Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken
- Butterfly the breasts: Use a sharp knife to slice horizontally, creating a pocket (don’t cut through).
- Season: Rub both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, artichokes, and garlic until creamy.
3️⃣ Stuff & Secure
- Fill each pocket with ¼ of the mixture.
- Seal with toothpicks to prevent leaks.
4️⃣ Sear to Golden Perfection
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken 3–4 mins per side until golden.
5️⃣ Bake to Juicy Doneness
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 mins until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest 5 mins before removing toothpicks.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- With roasted asparagus or garlic green beans
- Over cauliflower mash for low-carb
- Drizzled with lemon butter sauce
❓ FAQs + Pro Tips
🔹 Can I use frozen spinach?
✅ Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
🔹 No oven-safe skillet?
➡️ Sear in a pan, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
🔹 Make-ahead tip:
🧊 Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
🔹 Extra filling?
🍴 Serve as a hot dip with crusty bread!
⏳ Time & Nutrition
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Total: 40 mins
Calories: 420 | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 6g | Servings: 4
🌟 Why This Recipe Wins
“The cheese oozes out like a gourmet surprise, while the artichokes add a tangy twist. Even my picky kids devoured it!” — Recipe tester
Perfect for: Date nights • Meal prep • Gluten-free diets
Serve hot and watch everyone reach for seconds! 🔥
