Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe Guide

When it comes to weeknight dinners that impress but don’t take hours to prepare, my go-to is always Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This delightful dish combines the natural juiciness of chicken with a creamy, flavorful filling that bursts with the freshness of spinach and a hint of sweetness from cranberries. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this recipe suits any occasion—from family dinner to holiday gatherings.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

You may wonder why this Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe deserves a spot on your dinner table. Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Harmony: The combination of cream cheese, spinach, and cranberries creates a delightful balance between savory and sweet, pleasing to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatility: This dish is suitable for various occasions—make it for a casual family dinner or dress it up for a fancy gathering.

"I made this on a whim for a dinner party, and everyone raved about it! It’s now my staple for entertaining." – A delighted home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to dive into making these delicious stuffed chicken breasts? Here’s the roadmap: we will pound the chicken, create the filling, stuff the breasts, sear them for perfect browning, and finish them off in the oven. Follow along for a smooth cooking experience!

What You’ll Need

To prepare this delightful meal, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing the chicken

Note: You can use fresh herbs or other cheeses if you want to mix up the flavors!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, dried cranberries, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix well to blend all the flavors.
4. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Place a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each breast.
5. Carefully fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
7. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Once cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Best Way to Serve

To really elevate this dish, consider pairing it with:

• A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette
• Quinoa or wild rice for a wholesome side
• Steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition

These combinations not only complement the stuffed chicken but make your meal balanced and fulfilling.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts, you might have leftovers. Here are some easy storage suggestions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
• Freeze: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Expert Advice

Here are a few tips to ensure your stuffed chicken turns out perfectly:

• Tender Chicken: Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and remain tender.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff the breasts to avoid a messy leak during cooking.
• Rest Your Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try:

• Add some crumbled feta for a tangy kick.
• Incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch.
• Swap the cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation time is roughly 15-20 minutes, and cooking time is about 20-25 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mozzarella with gouda or cheddar to change the flavor profile.

Is it safe to freeze these stuffed chicken breasts?

Yes, cooked stuffed chicken can be frozen. Just ensure they’re properly sealed to avoid freezer burn. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.

With its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch, the Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts is sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. Enjoy cooking!

Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A delightful dish that features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy filling of spinach, cranberries, and mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing the chicken

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, dried cranberries, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix well.
4. Place a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each breast.
5. Fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Remove toothpicks or twine, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

Serve with a light salad, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: stuffed chicken, spinach, cranberries, weeknight dinner, easy recipe