Chicken Breast Stuffed with Melting Cheese and Roasted Spinach

### Instructions: How to Make Chicken Breast Stuffed with Melting Cheese and Roasted Spinach

#### Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
1. **Roast the Spinach**: Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. In a baking sheet, spread out the spinach and drizzle with **1 tablespoon of olive oil**. Toss gently to coat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about **5-7 minutes**, just until the spinach wilts and turns bright green.
2. **Sauté Garlic**: While the spinach is roasting, heat **1 tablespoon of butter** in a small pan over medium heat. Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Once the spinach has roasted, add it to the pan with the garlic and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to **375°F (190°C)** if it isn’t already preheated from roasting the spinach.
2. **Pound the Chicken**: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender, gently pound each chicken breast with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about **1/2 inch**. This will help it cook more uniformly and make room for the stuffing.
3. **Season the Chicken**: Season the chicken breasts with **salt**, **pepper**, and **garlic powder** (or freshly minced garlic). Feel free to sprinkle in a little **dried thyme** or **basil** for extra flavor.

#### Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
1. **Stuff with Cheese and Spinach**: Once the spinach mixture has cooled slightly, take **1/4 of the spinach and garlic mixture** and spoon it onto the center of each chicken breast. Add about **1/4 cup of cheese** on top of the spinach. Choose a melting cheese like **mozzarella** for a gooey texture or **cream cheese** for a rich, creamy stuffing. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
2. **Secure the Chicken**: Carefully fold the chicken breasts over the filling to close them. If needed, use **toothpicks** to secure the chicken shut, ensuring the stuffing stays inside while cooking.

#### Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Chicken
1. **Sear the Chicken**: Heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for **3-4 minutes**, until golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful crust.
2. **Bake the Chicken**: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)** and is cooked through. The cheese should be melted, and the chicken should be juicy and tender.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the toothpicks (if used) and slice the chicken breast to reveal the oozy, cheesy spinach stuffing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil for a beautiful finishing touch.

Serve the stuffed chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The creamy cheese and roasted spinach make a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken, and the dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

### Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Chicken

– **Use Fresh Spinach**: Fresh spinach wilts down nicely when roasted and provides a vibrant color and flavor. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before using.
– **Mix and Match Cheeses**: For extra flavor, try mixing different cheeses—**mozzarella** for meltiness, **cream cheese** for richness, or **Parmesan** for a sharp, nutty bite.
– **Pounding the Chicken**: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks uniformly and helps prevent overcooking. It also creates more space for the filling!
– **Make It Ahead**: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes dinner prep a breeze.

### Variations to Try

While the combination of cheese and roasted spinach is delicious, you can customize this recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some variations you can try:

– **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes**: For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach and cheese mixture for extra richness and flavor.
– **Swap the Spinach**: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to substitute with other leafy greens like **kale**, **arugula**, or even sautéed **mushrooms**.
– **Add Bacon**: For a smoky, savory note, consider adding crumbled bacon to the stuffing mix. Bacon pairs wonderfully with cheese and spinach for added flavor complexity.
– **Vegan Version**: For a dairy-free or vegan version, swap the cheese with plant-based alternatives and use sautéed mushrooms or zucchini in place of the spinach.

### Conclusion

**Chicken Breast Stuffed with Melting Cheese and Roasted Spinach** is a perfect recipe for anyone craving a simple yet flavorful meal. With tender, juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and nutrient-packed roasted spinach, this dish is as comforting as it is healthy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy this delightful, cheesy masterpiece tonight!