Description
This Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of goat cheese, dried cranberries, and fresh spinach. Enhanced with herbs like thyme and rosemary, the chicken is seared to a golden crust and finished in the oven for a tender, savory dish with a subtle sweet glaze. Perfect for an elegant yet simple weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thick cuts for easier pocketing)
Filling
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, softened (room temperature essential)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (adds tart-sweet bursts)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (provides color and nutrients)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (creates sophisticated flavor)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (creates sophisticated flavor)
Optional Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey (for glossy glaze)
Instructions
- Prep: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure your chicken breasts are thick enough and pat them dry. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Create Pockets & Mix Filling: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, taking care not to slice through entirely. In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, dried cranberries, chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, mixing well to create a flavorful stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the cranberry spinach mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling intact during cooking. Gently pack the filling to avoid tearing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step seals in the juices and adds texture.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F measured with a meat thermometer, ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Finish & Rest: If using, brush the tops of the chicken breasts with honey for a glossy, sweet glaze. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender before serving.
Notes
- Use thick chicken breasts to create sturdy pockets for stuffing without tearing.
- Room temperature goat cheese blends more easily with the filling ingredients.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Honey glaze is optional but adds a beautiful finish and subtle sweetness.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid any accidents.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
