Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil for best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for searing
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Substitution tips: If you prefer, you can swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a different cheesy twist. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cheese alternative or omit cheese entirely and add extra spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen works fine—just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture first.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the filling by combining chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, feta, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until well combined.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket—try not to cut all the way through. This step can be tricky at first; I remember Mama Lou’s steady hand guiding mine until I got the hang of it.
- Stuff each chicken breast generously with the filling, pressing the edges gently to seal. If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
One tip I picked up from Mama Lou is to always let the chicken rest after baking. It allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy—a simple step that makes a world of difference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
