Description
This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a delightful mixture of spinach, cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, creating a flavorful and elegant dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 120g goat cheese, softened
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Optional Finish:
- 1 tablespoon honey (light drizzle after baking)
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, cranberries, goat cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the filling evenly into each chicken pocket. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent filling from spilling out.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven (or move chicken to a baking dish). Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Finish & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks. Drizzle lightly with honey if desired for a sweet contrast. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
