This Italian Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a flavorful mix of Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and melty cheese, then baked to perfection!
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 🍅
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 🌿
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional) 🥄
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts:
- Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
3. Make the Filling:
- Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken:
- Stuff each chicken breast with the prepared filling, using toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.
4. Sear the Chicken:
- Sear the chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices and adds flavor.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer to the oven:
- After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
6. Serve:
- Rest and serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
This Italian Stuffed Chicken is loaded with Mediterranean flavors and makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Enjoy this juicy, cheesy, and flavorful dish! 🍗🍅🧀