Description
A refined take on a classic, featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture for an elegant main course.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each), patted dry and trimmed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh spinach, washed, stems removed, finely chopped and squeezed dry
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for finishing
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest (about half a lemon)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for a crisp top)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the chopped spinach, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Butterfly the breasts: Slice each chicken breast horizontally nearly through and open like a book to create an even pocket. Pound gently between plastic wrap to 1/2-inch thickness if needed for even cooking. Season both sides.
- Stuff and seal: Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling into each breast, spreading evenly. Fold or roll and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Sear for color: Heat 1 tbsp oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, seam side down first, and sear until golden-brown, 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add topping and bake: Mix melted butter with panko and a pinch of salt; sprinkle over the breasts. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) at the thickest part, about 12–18 minutes depending on thickness.
- Rest and finish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and a few parsley leaves before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature and the spinach is thoroughly squeezed to remove excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg