Description
This Spinach Herb Baked Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, feta, cream cheese, and Parmesan. The chicken is first seared to develop a beautiful golden crust, then baked until juicy and cooked through. A perfect, wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Spinach Herb Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly to create a well-blended filling.
- Create chicken pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, taking care not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a browned, golden crust.
- Bake until cooked through: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pockets are not cut too deep to prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
