Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Idea

Are you looking for a mouthwatering dish to impress your family or guests? Look no further than these delectable Stuffed Chicken Breasts! Tender chicken breasts filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce make for an irresistible dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
8 slices of mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1/2-3/4 cup heavy cream (depending on your preference)
1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Spinach Filling:

2 cups fresh spinach (or ½ cup thawed and squeezed frozen spinach)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the inside of each pocket with salt and pepper.
Stuff each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese.

2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a separate pan until wilted. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Mix the cooked spinach with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble and Bake:

Spoon the spinach filling into the pockets of the stuffed chicken breasts.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Add More Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the creamy garlic sauce by adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Change Up the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as feta, goat cheese, or smoked Gouda.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the creamy garlic sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the sauce and replacing the heavy cream with a combination of cream cheese and unsweetened almond milk.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the creamy garlic sauce.
Replace the heavy cream with a mixture of cream cheese and unsweetened almond milk.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Low-Carb Version:

Use almond flour or coconut flour for the breading.
Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk.
Serve with a salad or steamed vegetables instead of potatoes or rice.

With its juicy chicken, gooey cheese filling, and creamy garlic sauce, these Stuffed Chicken Breasts are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor. So gather your ingredients and give this delicious dish a try tonight! Your taste buds will thank you.