📝 Introduction:
This dish beautifully balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in every bite. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a mixture of wilted spinach, dried cranberries, and creamy blue cheese, then seared and baked to juicy perfection. It’s a stunning meal that pairs well with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. Best of all—it’s deceptively simple to make!
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Stuffing:
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or Gorgonzola for a milder flavor)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
🍽️ Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast—being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides (and inside) with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Make the Stuffing:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in dried cranberries and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the crumbled blue cheese and black pepper.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the spinach-cranberry-blue cheese mixture evenly into each chicken pocket.
- Use toothpicks to secure the openings, if needed.
4. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Bake to Finish:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or transfer the chicken to a baking dish).
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing.
- Optional: drizzle with pan juices or a light balsamic glaze before serving.
🥗 Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or wild rice.
- A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness.
🔄 Variations:
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds crunch to the stuffing.
- Make it Creamy: Mix a tablespoon of cream cheese into the stuffing for extra creaminess.