A Must TRI
My household likes to eat healthily, but we’re not willing to sacrifice flavor. If you’re like us and you like healthy delicious meals that you’re not only proud to have created but enjoy eating as well Then this recipe might be what you looking for.
This heart-healthy protein-packed and the delicious meal comes in at under 350 calories and could be ready and to eat in 35 minutes.
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
I have always been into fitness and eating healthy is essential to remaining fit. So one thing I’m constantly doing is trying to find recipes that not only I would enjoy eating but my wife and my children would enjoy as well.
It is rare, but not impossible for me to find something that checks all those boxes, this meal does. It could be tailored for young children and young adults and even for finicky eaters.
Spinach and cheese stuffed chicken with all its flavor is a perfect main course. It could easily be paired with a nice dinner salad or mixed vegetables. With a prep time of 10 minutes, and only 25 minutes to cook, your total time from stove to plate could be somewhere between 35 and 45 minutes. Which makes this a meal that I will keep in my arsenal.
Amazing Taste
When it comes down to cooking meals we all have our favorite protein. Mines happen to be chicken. Pair that with three different kinds of cheese and spinach, and you would understand while my mouth is watering as I describe it to you. In my household, this meal appears on our menu often because if I personally don’t want it my children or my wife might request it. That delicious cheesy spinach feeling and the tender chicken fillet come together to make a recipe your household will fall in love with as well.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt divided
- Four skinless boneless chicken breast
- 4 oz ricotta cheese
- 4 oz grated mozzarella
- 4 oz grated mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cup chop fresh spinach (steamed Just until wealthy, squeeze dry with a paper towel and chop as desired)
Instructions
- Grease 13×9 baking sheet with some oil and preheat oven to 350°
- In a mixing bowl, combined Italian seasoning, olive oil, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mix well and set it to the side.
- Place chicken breast on cutting board and insert the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part of your chicken breast. Cut an opening in your chicken breast about 4 inches wide to create a pocket without piercing all the way through.
- Pour the rub you’ve previously prepared all over the chicken, and generously rub it all on the sides, and inside the pocket of the chicken. Place inside the refrigerator, and let marinate until ready to use.
While your chicken is marinating, this is the time to prepare your cheese and spinach filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combined your mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, and garlic. ( season with salt and pepper to your preference then mix well until combined)
Now that we have all that out of the way, it’s time to merge your two creations together.
- Remove your chicken breast from the refrigerator and stuff each breast with your delightful cheese and spinach mixture. Tooth pics can be used to pin the chicken together if you need to secure your chicken breast.
- Place your stuffed chicken breast into the prepared dish and bake for 25 minutes, until the chicken is a golden brown color. Then flip halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. ( You may also cook on a stovetop if desired)
- Removed the toothpicks serve warm and enjoy this spinach and cheese-filled chicken, that I know you’ve been craving since you pulled out the oven.
Tri a Different Take
This meal as well as other meals that I enjoy to create can be tailored to your preference. Feel free to try different cheeses, that’s one of my favorite parts of experimenting with the cheese selection. Swiss works as well as feta and will give your chicken a more creamy melted cheese flavor and look, and it’s worth trying.
You can use fresh or frozen spinach, just make sure the water is completely drained off. You should allow your chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour but you can use it quickly if desired.
Remember an instant-read thermometer is your best tool for determining the internal temperature of your chicken. 165°F is a safe internal temperature for chicken.