Description
A healthy and flavorful baked chicken breast stuffed with a savory mushroom, spinach, and cheese mixture. This low-carb, gluten-free dish is perfect for a nutritious dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Stuffing
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or part-skim cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare a consistent baking environment for the chicken.
- Cook Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned and the moisture has evaporated, concentrating their flavor.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped spinach, if using, and cook for an additional minute to soften and blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Set the mushroom mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice all the way through to hold the stuffing securely.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared mushroom mixture, then secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside during baking.
- Season and Bake: Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, place them in a lightly greased baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture.
- Swap mozzarella for goat cheese for extra creaminess and a tangy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
