Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach, tangy goat cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, then baked to golden perfection. A delightful balance of flavors that makes for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together chopped spinach, dried cranberries, goat cheese, minced garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with an equal amount of the spinach-cranberry-goat cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the stuffing is hot.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used. Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: American