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If you’re craving a dinner that feels both gourmet and comforting, the Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish where tender chicken breasts are bursting with tangy sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a melty combination of feta and mozzarella cheese. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet notes, making it a memorable meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings color and joy to your plate without fuss or complexity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe, but don’t worry—they’re straightforward and easy to find. Each one plays an essential role: the chicken as the juicy base, sundried tomatoes adding a bold tang, spinach for freshness, and the duo of cheeses delivering creaminess and richness that tie everything together beautifully.
- Two large chicken breasts: Perfectly sized for stuffing and cooking evenly.
- 3/4 cup Kraft Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing & Marinade: Infuses the chicken with zesty flavor; olive oil and basic seasonings can also work.
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes: The star ingredient that brings a vibrant, slightly sweet tang.
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese: Offers a salty, crumbly texture that brightens the filling.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, comforting bites.
How to Make Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken in the sundried tomato vinaigrette helps develop deep layers of flavor. While you can let it soak for a few hours, it’s perfectly fine if you’re short on time—adding the marinade right before cooking still creates a tasty result. This quick soak keeps the chicken moist and slightly tangy, prepping it for the stuffing stage.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts for Stuffing
Take a large sharp knife and carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally like you would a hot dog bun without cutting all the way through. This creates a pocket that will hold your fantastic filling. Being gentle here is important to keep the chicken intact but flexible enough to hold all that delicious stuffing.
Step 3: Fill the Chicken with Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Mixture
Open up the chicken pockets and layer in the sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped spinach, feta, and mozzarella. It’s okay if you can’t fit it all inside—just pack in as much as you can for that delicious surprise in every bite. To keep the filling secure, stick a couple of toothpicks near the opening before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Chicken
Heat a heavy pan, like a cast iron skillet, until it’s nice and hot. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides to lock in juices and develop a golden exterior. Then, either lower the heat on the stove to finish cooking or place the skillet in a 375ºF oven until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. If you prefer, skip searing and fully bake the chicken on a baking sheet—just be sure it’s fully cooked and juicy. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
How to Serve Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley takes this dish up a notch with a pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma. A small drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a pleasantly sweet tang that complements the sundried tomatoes beautifully, giving your presentation a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a light, simple side to balance the richness. Think garlic roasted potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or even some fluffy quinoa tossed with lemon zest. Steamed or sautéed veggies like asparagus or green beans also provide color, texture, and freshness to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken medallions crosswise to showcase the colorful, cheesy filling inside and arrange them fanned out on the plate. For a casual dinner, serve whole breasts with rustic bread on the side to soak up any juices. If you want to impress at a dinner party, plate with a vibrant vegetable purée or a delicate drizzle of infused olive oil for visual and flavor sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the toothpicks in place during storage helps maintain the shape and keeps the filling from spilling out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep up to 2 months frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF covered with foil to keep moisture locked in, or microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Checking the internal temperature ensures safe and delicious results.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes provide juiciness, they won’t deliver the intense tang and chewy texture that sundried tomatoes bring to this recipe. For the full flavor experience, sundried tomatoes really shine here.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the feta and mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese altogether, though the creaminess is part of what makes this dish so special. Adding a vegan cream cheese or nut-based cheese can be delicious substitutions.
What type of chicken breasts work best for stuffing?
Choose large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier stuffing and even cooking. Thicker breasts are preferred so you can create a generous pocket for the filling without splitting the chicken completely.
Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead or refrigerate overnight before cooking. Just keep them covered and properly wrapped to maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mingling too much.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make sure the chicken reaches an opaque white color all the way through and the juices run clear. Cutting into the thickest part can help check doneness, but investing in a thermometer is a great kitchen tool for perfect results every time.
Final Thoughts
This Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe offers a wonderful blend of simple ingredients and bold flavors that come together to create a truly satisfying meal. It’s approachable enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making this delightful dish again and again.
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Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with tangy sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, creamy feta, and melty mozzarella. The chicken is either seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven or baked entirely in the oven, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in about 40 minutes. A quick marinade with sundried tomato vinaigrette adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup Kraft Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing & Marinade (or substitute with salt, pepper, and olive oil)
Stuffing
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl or dish and pour the sundried tomato vinaigrette dressing over them. Let them marinate for a few hours if possible, or at least briefly right before cooking to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the chicken for stuffing: Using a large, sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breasts horizontally like a hot dog bun, stopping before cutting all the way through to create a pocket for the stuffing.
- Stuff the chicken: Open the cut in each chicken breast and layer the stuffing ingredients inside—sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, feta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Pack as much filling as you can fit comfortably. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown. Then, either lower the heat and cook through on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, or transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375ºF to finish cooking. Alternatively, skip searing and bake the chicken fully on a baking sheet at 375ºF until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute and ensure a juicy bite.
Notes
- If short on time, marinating the chicken can be skipped or done briefly before cooking.
- Be careful not to cut completely through the chicken breasts when preparing pockets.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
- To keep the filling in place, secure the slit with toothpicks during cooking.
- You can substitute the Kraft vinaigrette with a combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
