Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Craisins® dried cranberries
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, cut into thin slices
Instructions
- Flatten the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a plastic bag or between two sheets of heavy plastic and pound them until they are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Stuffing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for several minutes until they become soft. Stir in minced garlic and dried cranberries and cook for an additional two minutes. Then add fresh spinach, balsamic vinegar, ground thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking until the spinach wilts completely.
- Stuff the Chicken: Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean surface. Spoon one-fourth of the spinach mixture onto each breast and top with several slices of Parmesan cheese. Roll each chicken breast around the stuffing tightly and secure with twine or toothpicks. Season the exterior with additional thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Warm the skillet again over medium heat, adding more olive oil if necessary. Add the stuffed chicken breasts, browning them on all sides to create a golden crust and lock in the flavors.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer pink inside.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Removing excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the stuffing mixture helps prevent sogginess.
- Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella if you prefer different cheese flavors.
- Remove twine or toothpicks before serving to avoid choking hazards.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American