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Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cheddar Recipe

Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cheddar Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Delight in this flavorful and nutritious Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe, where tender chicken is filled with a vibrant mixture of fresh spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked after a quick sear, this dish combines juicy protein with a sweet and savory filling that’s both satisfying and visually appealing, ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Toothpicks (to secure the filling)

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing a horizontal pocket along the side, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a space for the filling.
  3. Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, chopped dried cranberries, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  4. Stuff Chicken: Spoon the prepared filling mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast and secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling intact during cooking.
  5. Season Chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the surface for flavorful seasoning.
  6. Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, helping to lock in juices.
  7. Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
  8. Serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully, slice the chicken slightly to reveal the colorful cranberry and spinach filling, and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Butterflying the chicken breast evenly helps to hold the filling better and cooks the chicken uniformly.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste and dietary requirements, especially salt content for a low sodium diet.
  • Dried cranberries add a nice sweet contrast but can be substituted with raisins or chopped dried apricots if preferred.
  • Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
  • If you prefer, you can use fresh shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stuffed chicken breast, cranberry spinach chicken, cheddar stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, baked stuffed chicken

Find it online: https://maicook.com/cranberry-and-spinach-stuffed-chicken-breasts-with-cheddar-recipe/