Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
How about a creamy spinach and mushroom stuffed chicken breast served with a side of garlic butter rice for your next Sunday family dinner? Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, mushrooms, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through. Spoon the spinach and mushroom filling into each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks if necessary. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Preparing the Garlic Butter Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rice and stir to coat with the butter and garlic. Cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt to taste and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serving:
Plate the garlic butter rice on each dish.
Place a stuffed chicken breast next to the rice.
Optionally, drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
Ingredient Substitutes: If you don't have mushrooms, you can use bell peppers or tomatoes in the stuffing.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time. Simply sear and bake them when you're ready to serve.
Extra Creaminess: Add a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese to the stuffing for an extra creamy texture.