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tuffed Chicken Breasts with Cream Cheese Recipe

tuffed Chicken Breasts with Cream Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

A flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and mozzarella, seasoned with aromatic spices and baked to perfection. This vibrant recipe balances savory and sweet notes, making it an elegant yet simple meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stuffed Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons

  • 1 tbsp honey (light drizzle after baking)
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (added inside for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture, then carefully make a deep slit along the side of each breast to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
  2. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped fresh spinach, finely chopped dried cranberries, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
  3. Stuff the chicken: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each chicken pocket. Use toothpicks to securely close the openings to keep the filling inside during baking.
  4. Season: Lightly brush the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with paprika, onion powder, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, additional salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  5. Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  6. Finish & serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully. Optionally, drizzle a small amount of honey over the warm chicken breasts to add a subtle sweetness that complements the tart cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried cranberries with fresh chopped dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
  • For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and omit the shredded cheese.
  • Adding nuts inside the stuffing adds a delightful crunch but can be omitted for nut-free diets.
  • Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you can pound them lightly if needed.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken, cranberry chicken, spinach chicken, cream cheese stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/tuffed-chicken-breasts-with-cream-cheese-recipe/