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Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful filling of fresh spinach, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. Perfectly seared and then baked to juicy perfection, this dish balances savory and sweet elements for a satisfying and elegant meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
  2. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese evenly. This will create the flavorful stuffing for the chicken.
  3. Prepare the chicken breasts: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through, then gently pound to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if using.
  4. Stuff and secure the chicken: Spoon the spinach, cranberry, and goat cheese mixture evenly onto each butterflied chicken breast. Carefully fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep it closed during cooking.
  5. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown to develop flavor and lock in juices.
  6. Bake the chicken: Transfer the seared, stuffed chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Remove toothpicks or twine, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Be sure to butterfly and pound the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easier stuffing.
  • If you don’t have dried thyme, you can omit it or substitute with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after baking to preserve moisture and flavor.
  • Can be served alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, cranberry chicken, spinach and goat cheese, baked chicken, healthy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, easy chicken dinner