Description
Stuffed Tuscan Chicken is a show-stopping dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, a creamy, cheesy filling, and a medley of bold flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a family dinner or an elegant dinner party, offering a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Proteins:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- Garlic: 1 tsp, minced
- Onion Powder: 1 tbsp
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 4, chopped
- Spinach: 10 oz frozen, thawed and excess water removed
Dry Ingredients:
- Cajun Seasoning: 1 tbsp
- Italian Seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Paprika: 1 tbsp
Oils & Fats:
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: 1 tbsp
Dairy:
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz
- Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese: 4 oz
- Mozzarella Cheese: ¼ cup, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice and Season: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). With a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside.
2. Make the Filling
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic and herb cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and thawed spinach. Mix until well blended.
3. Stuff the Chicken
- Fill the Pockets: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the pockets of the chicken breasts. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling in place during cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Sear in a Pan: Heat olive oil and sun-dried tomato oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve
- Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to add a touch of sophistication.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- For easier stuffing, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the pockets in the chicken breasts.
- Thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Secure the chicken with toothpicks to keep the filling intact while cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Stuffed Tuscan Chicken, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe, Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Italian Chicken Dinner