This delectable dish features chicken breasts enhanced with a rich filling of aromatic garlic mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a luscious layer of melted cheese. It’s a straightforward recipe requiring minimal ingredients, turning an ordinary chicken breast into a delightfully scrumptious meal.
Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
A delightful ensemble of basic ingredients come together in this recipe to elevate the humble chicken breast into a culinary delight. Essential components include chicken breast, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and cheese, with the flexibility to alter the cheese variety and substitute spinach with other greens to cater to personal preferences or pantry availability.
The preparation process involves sautéing mushrooms and spinach, stuffing the chicken, and then finishing it off with a quick sear followed by baking. This results in a delectable dinner offering.
Here are a few noteworthy points:
- Chicken: Opt for chicken breasts to ensure ample space for cutting pockets. Thigh pieces won’t suffice for this recipe.
- Spinach: You can use baby spinach or switch it up with sliced regular spinach, silverbeet (Swiss chard), kale, or cabbage.
- Cheese: Choose any cheese that melts well. Mozzarella is preferred for its excellent melting properties without becoming overly runny, unlike cheddar or other similar cheeses.
- Herbs: Thyme is a classic pairing with mushrooms, enhancing the flavor profile. If unavailable, dried thyme or alternatives like oregano, marjoram, rosemary, parsley, or tarragon can be used.
Preparation Method
A crucial tip: be generous with the stuffing. The goal is to pack the chicken with as much mushroom and spinach mixture as possible, complemented by cheese slices.
- Sauté the mushrooms and spinach: Aim for a deep color on the mushrooms to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the chicken: Make a pocket in the chicken breast, being careful not to cut through completely. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
- Stuff and seal: Fill the pocket with the sautéed mixture and cheese, then secure with toothpicks. It’s alright if it doesn’t seal perfectly; the aim is to keep the filling in place.
- Brown and bake: Sear the chicken in an oven-proof skillet, then bake. Rest the chicken after baking to ensure the juices redistribute, making the meat moist and flavorful.
Notes:
1. Chicken breast is required for this recipe as it’s the right shape to cut pockets and the right size to hold enough filling. Recipe won’t work with thighs or other cuts of chicken.
2. Other herbs – 1/2 tsp dried thyme or other dried herbs of choice. Otherwise, chives, parsley, rosemary (1/2 tsp chopped), oregano or marjoram.
3. Baby spinach – Substitute with chopped / sliced English spinach, silverbeet / Swiss chard, kale or even cabbage.
4. Nutrition per chicken breast.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed chicken breast recipe incorporates a good amount of vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. If desired, complement it with a simple side dish, like lightly dressed baby spinach or a no-stir Lemon Herb Risotto for a complete meal without the hassle of constant stirring, achieving a creamy, al dente texture reminiscent of traditional risotto.
This approach offers a gourmet meal experience with straightforward preparation, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious dinner.