Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Printable Version)
Baked chicken breasts stuffed with spinach, cream cheese, feta and dried cranberries for a festive, gluten-free main.
# What You Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Filling
02 - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
03 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
04 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
→ Seasoning
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and spinach until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
03 - In a bowl, combine sautéed spinach, softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cranberries. Season with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
04 - With a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast, taking care not to cut through the other side.
05 - Evenly spoon the spinach and cranberry filling into each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
06 - In a small bowl, mix paprika, dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Brush the stuffed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on all sides.
07 - Place the stuffed and seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
09 - Remove toothpicks and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The filling is secretly so creamy and flavorful, people always ask what makes it so special.
- You can prep everything in advance and just pop it in the oven for stress-free entertaining.
02 -
- The hardest lesson: If you rush and overstuff the chicken, the filling leaks out and you end up with a sticky pan and less wow factor.
- Lightly coating the chicken with olive oil before seasoning makes all the spices stick better and helps the skin turn beautifully golden.
03 -
- The biggest difference comes from not overcooking—set a timer and trust your thermometer.
- A touch of lemon zest in the filling before baking adds unbelievable brightness.