Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a creamy, savory dish that transforms tender chicken breasts with a tangy goat cheese and vibrant spinach filling. Easy to prepare and elegant in presentation, this recipe balances comfort with sophistication, perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter, for searing
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest or 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Prep the Filling: Sauté fresh spinach with minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until wilted and fragrant, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before mixing with crumbled goat cheese, a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest for a bright finish.
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the creamy spinach and goat cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, packing it firmly but gently to hold the filling inside.
- Sear and Bake: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Then transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep juices sealed in. Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.
Notes
- Do not overstuff the chicken to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Lightly pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Pre-wilt your spinach to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy filling.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pocket and keep the filling locked in.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: goat cheese stuffed chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, creamy chicken breast, healthy stuffed chicken, gluten free chicken recipe