Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast with Creamy Spinach Filling

 Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast with Creamy Spinach Filling

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless pieces (about 14 oz total)

• Fresh Spinach: 3.5 oz

• Cream Cheese: 3.5 oz (a Philadelphia-style brand works well)

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

• Garlic: 1 clove, finely chopped

• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: to taste

Directions:

• Prepare the Filling:

• In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant.

• Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until it wilts noticeably.

• Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

• Once cooled, stir in the cream cheese until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.

• Prep the Chicken:

• Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally along the thickest part to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through.

• Season both the inside of the pocket and the outer surface of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

• Stuff and Secure:

• Spoon the creamy spinach mixture evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast.

• If desired, use toothpicks to gently secure the edges of the pocket, which helps keep the filling in place during baking.

• Bake:

• Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.

• Place the dish in the oven and roast the chicken for 25–30 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 167°F (75°C).

Timing:

• Preparation: Approximately 10 minutes

• Cooking: Around 30 minutes

• Total Time: Roughly 40 minutes

Estimated Weight of the Finished Dish:

• About 1.36 lbs

Nutritional Information (per 3.5 oz / 100 g serving):

• Calories: 182.3 kcal

• Protein: 21.7 g

• Fat: 9.6 g

• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!