Description

Delight in this elegant Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe featuring tender chicken filled with a flavorful blend of fresh spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy goat cheese. Seared to a golden perfection and baked to juicy tenderness, it’s a perfect dish for a special dinner or a sophisticated weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)

Stuffing

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
Prepare Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese until the mixture is well blended.
Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally almost through, then open it like a book. Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if using.
Stuff Chicken: Place an even amount of the spinach, cranberry, and goat cheese mixture inside each butterflied chicken breast. Roll and secure the breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are pounded to uniform thickness.
Use toothpicks or kitchen twine securely to avoid stuffing falling out during cooking.
Searing chicken before baking adds flavor and helps seal in juices.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, cranberry chicken, spinach chicken, goat cheese recipe, baked chicken, healthy chicken recipe