Tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh spinach, ripe tomato, garlic, and gooey mozzarella, then baked until golden and delicious. An easy, flavorful dinner that looks impressive but takes very little effort!
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. -
Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into the thickest part of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. -
Season the chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. -
Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach and minced garlic. Mix well. -
Stuff the chicken:
Place a slice of mozzarella inside each chicken breast pocket. Add some chopped spinach and garlic, followed by a few tomato slices. Fold the chicken closed around the filling. -
Secure if needed:
If the pockets don’t stay closed, secure them with toothpicks. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving. -
Bake:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. -
Check for doneness:
The chicken is ready when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and the spinach tender. -
Garnish:
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
🌿 Optional Flavor Boosts
- Add a little grated Parmesan to the filling.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes inside for a spicy kick.
- Add a few thin slices of fresh basil for an extra Italian-style flavor.
- For a richer filling, mix the spinach with 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use small, firm tomato slices so the filling doesn’t become too watery.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken, as the filling can spill out during baking.
- For extra color and flavor, quickly sear the stuffed chicken in an oven-safe skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before transferring it to the oven.
- Always check the internal temperature rather than relying only on cooking time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: About 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4
