Spinach Cranberry Stuffed Chicken

This flavorful dish features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and tart cranberries, delivering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something impressive but easy to prepare.

I first made this during a busy weeknight and was amazed how even picky eaters enjoyed the burst of cranberry sweetness mixed with smooth cream cheese. It quickly became a requested favorite in my home.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Four boneless skinless chicken breasts: About six ounces each, choose even-sized breasts for consistent cooking
• One cup fresh spinach: Chopped finely to blend well with the filling and keep it moist
• Half cup cream cheese: Softened to create a creamy texture that binds the filling ingredients
• Quarter cup dried cranberries: Chopped to evenly distribute tartness throughout the filling
• Quarter cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a mild melt and cheesy richness, go for whole milk varieties if possible
• One tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and locking in flavor, extra virgin is best for taste
• Two cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and a fragrant aroma
• One teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the ingredients
• Half teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground preferred for the best aroma
• Half teaspoon dried thyme: Optional but recommended for a subtle earthy note
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine: For securing the stuffed chicken breasts to hold the filling inside when cooking

How to Make It

Preheat:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. This prepares the oven to cook the chicken evenly.

Pound Chicken:

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This step ensures the breasts cook at the same rate and makes them easier to roll with the filling inside.

Mix Filling:

In a mixing bowl combine chopped spinach cream cheese dried cranberries mozzarella cheese minced garlic salt black pepper and thyme if using Mix everything together until it is well blended to create a flavorful stuffing.

Stuff Chicken:

Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board Place a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each breast This gives you enough filling without overstuffing which can cause the chicken to break.

Secure:

Carefully fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine Use just enough to keep it closed without puncturing too much or squeezing out the filling.

Sear:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Once the oil is hot sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about three to four minutes on each side or until golden brown This step locks in juices and adds a flavorful crust.

Bake:

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish Place them spaced apart Bake in the preheated oven for twenty to twenty five minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit or seventy five degrees Celsius.

Rest and Serve:

Once cooked carefully remove the toothpicks or twine Let the chicken rest for a few minutes This allows the juices to redistribute Slice and serve warm.

Storage Tips Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days to maintain freshness For best results reheat gently in the oven to keep the chicken from drying out Avoid microwaving if possible as it can toughen the meat This dish can be made ahead of time up to the searing step then refrigerated before baking to save time on the day you plan to serve it Ingredient Substitutions You can swap cream cheese for goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture and slight tang Use fresh cranberries cooked down with a bit of sugar if dried cranberries are unavailable This will add moisture and brightness Mozzarella can be substituted with Monterey Jack or fontina for a similar melting cheese with a mild flavor

Flavor Boosters

Pair with roasted root vegetables or a quinoa salad for a balanced meal A light vinaigrette dressed green salad complements the richness of the filling beautifully Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful juices released during baking

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted root vegetables or a quinoa salad for a balanced meal A light vinaigrette dressed green salad complements the richness of the filling beautifully Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful juices released during baking

Creative Twists

In spring swap cranberries for chopped fresh strawberries or cherries for a sweet fresh burst Add herbs like basil or tarragon in summer for a fresh herbal note In autumn roast pumpkin or butternut squash on the side to reinforce the seasonal feel of the cranberries

This stuffed chicken breast recipe blends sweet and savory beautifully and saves time with simple preparation steps.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking during cooking?

Make sure to secure the chicken breasts tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine and avoid overfilling. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps seal the stuffing inside.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. This also allows the flavors to meld for a richer taste.

→ What is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking after searing ensures even cooking throughout.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a fresh salad complement the flavors and provide a balanced meal.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese or mozzarella?

Yes, you can use ricotta, goat cheese, or another mild cheese to suit your taste, keeping in mind the texture and moisture content.

→ Are dried cranberries necessary for the filling?

They add a subtle tartness and sweetness; however, you can replace them with fresh cranberries or dried cherries if preferred.