Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with garlicky mushrooms, spinach, and gooey melted cheese, making this simple dish an easy yet delicious way to elevate your dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 x 220g / 7oz chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 200g / 7 oz mushrooms, sliced 3mm (1/8″) thick (~2 heaped cups)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 80g / 3oz mozzarella, sliced (or other melting cheese)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan).
- Cut pockets into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through, and cut along the side with the fold to keep the smooth side intact.
- Season the inside and outside of the chicken with half of the salt and pepper.
- For the mushroom filling: Melt butter in an oven-proof skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until golden. Add garlic, thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms are well browned.
- Add baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted (about 30 seconds).
- Stuff the mushroom-spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket, then top with sliced cheese. Seal the pocket with toothpicks (it doesn’t need to be fully sealed).
- Wipe the pan with paper towels and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the chicken for 1 1/2 minutes until golden.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 65°C/149°F (measured in the chicken flesh, not the filling).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a plate, loosely covered with foil, before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute mozzarella with a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or gouda.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 65°C/149°F for safe consumption.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to gently pound them to an even thickness before cooking for better results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
