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–+ servings
Ultra close-up of creamy garlic spinach stuffed chicken breast in cast iron skillet

Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Thick, juicy chicken breasts pocket-stuffed with seasoned garlic cream cheese, fresh baby spinach, and molten mozzarella, pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a velvety garlic pan sauce. An ultra-comforting, low-carb, 30-minute skillet dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Creamy Spinach Filling
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach washed, dried, and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Chicken & Searing
  • 4 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sea salt divided
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Velvety Garlic Pan Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken bone broth low-sodium, for fond deglazing
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for balancing richness
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped baby spinach, and red pepper flakes with a fork until thoroughly combined. Season with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place each breast flat on a cutting board, place your palm firmly on top, and use a sharp chef’s knife to carefully cut a deep horizontal pocket into the thickest side (about 3/4 of the way through, taking care not to slice entirely through the back or edges).
  3. Generously divide and spoon the spinach-cheese filling into each chicken pocket. Press the edges together to close, and secure each seam with 2 to 3 wooden toothpicks inserted horizontally.
  4. In a small dish, mix together the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Season both outer sides of the stuffed chicken breasts evenly.
  5. Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, carefully lay the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust forms.
  6. Using tongs, gently flip the chicken breasts. Lower heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for another 7 to 9 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  7. Keep the skillet over medium heat. Pour in the chicken bone broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized golden fond from the skillet bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
  8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering gently for 2 minutes until a silky pan sauce forms. Remove toothpicks from the chicken, return breasts to the skillet to spoon the warm velvety sauce over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 48gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 14mg

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