Description
Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts combine tart dried cranberries, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese inside juicy chicken breasts for a flavorful, healthy, and visually appealing dish. Easy to prepare yet impressive, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and earthy flavors suitable for any season or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz cream cheese or goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for cooking
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish and added flavor
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch)
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy twist)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Sauté fresh spinach in a skillet with a touch of olive oil until wilted. Drain any excess moisture, then mix the spinach with softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through, providing ample space for the filling.
- Stuff the chicken: Generously spoon the cranberry and spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket, then gently fold the breast closed to seal the filling inside.
- Secure and season: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the chicken closed securely. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil to promote even roasting and browning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Remove excess moisture from spinach before mixing to prevent soggy chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe consumption.
- Secure stuffing well with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep filling intact while cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Double stuffing both sides of a flattened chicken breast adds extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg