Pan-Seared Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Butterfly chicken breasts and fill with a mixture of garlic herb cream cheese, parmesan, and wilted spinach, then pan-sear and finish in the oven. Served alongside golden vegetable rice and garnished with fresh parsley for a simple, protein-rich weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pouch Golden Vegetable Rice, prepared per package
- 2 chicken breasts, skin on
- 1 handful baby spinach, finely choppedfrozen spinach (thawed and squeezed)1:0.5vegetablegreens
reduce quantity as frozen is more condensed
Full guide → - ¼ cups garlic and herb cream cheeseregular cream cheese with minced garlic and mixed herbs1:1dairycheese
removes specialty blend
- ⅛ cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 unsalted butter, large knob
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt(optional)
- black pepper(optional)
- parsley, finely chopped, for garnish(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (Fan 400°F
- 2
Wilt spinach in a pan with a splash of water, drain and squeeze out excess moisture
- 3
Combine cream cheese, parmesan, and spinach, season with salt and pepper
- 4
Cut a slit into the side of each chicken breast and stuff with the mixture, spreading evenly, secure with cocktail sticks
- 5
Heat butter and oil in a frying pan, add chicken and brown on all sides
- 6
Transfer to a baking tray and cook until thoroughly cooked and juices run clear
- 7
Heat the rice according to pouch instructions
- 8
Serve chicken with rice on the side and garnish with parsley
Tips
Squeeze spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling soggy and seep during cooking
Use cocktail sticks to secure the opening while cooking to keep the filling intact
Browning the chicken first develops flavor before finishing in the oven ensures even cooking without drying out
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 160°C oven until warmed through.
Prepare and stuff chicken breasts up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking.
Serve hot with the rice alongside and fresh parsley sprinkled over the chicken.
Common Mistakes
Do not over-stuff the chicken or the filling will leak during cooking; spread evenly and use cocktail sticks to secure
Do not skip wilting and squeezing the spinach thoroughly or excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of browning it
Do not skip browning step; this develops flavor and creates a golden crust before finishing in the oven
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
removes specialty blend
General Alternatives
reduce quantity as frozen is more condensed
Full guide →