Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese Recipe
Delight in these savory Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with creamy goat cheese, blending fresh spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs for a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Stuffed Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Finish
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Extra dried cranberries for garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season both the inside and outside generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- Make the Filling: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat, then fold in the dried cranberries and crumbled goat cheese to combine thoroughly.
- Stuff the Chicken: Evenly spoon the spinach, cranberry, and goat cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully. Garnish the chicken breasts with freshly chopped thyme or parsley and extra dried cranberries. Serve warm paired with roasted vegetables or a fresh light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure not to cut all the way through the chicken breast when making pockets to keep the filling intact.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- To add extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken briefly in olive oil and herbs before stuffing.
- Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a delightful dining experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Stuffed chicken breasts, cranberry chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, goat cheese recipe, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe