Spinach & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Hey there, kitchen wizards! Are you ready to dazzle your taste buds with a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious? Get ready to elevate your dinner game with Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast paired with a side of wholesome wild rice. This mouthwatering masterpiece combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy goat cheese and vibrant spinach, all served alongside fluffy wild rice for a meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Serving Size:
- 4 servings
Cook Time Duration:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Let’s Get Cooking:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, stopping about 1/2 inch from the opposite side, creating a pocket. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a bowl, mix together the wilted spinach and crumbled goat cheese until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Divide the spinach and goat cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, gently stuffing the mixture into the pockets you created earlier. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This will help seal in the juices and give the chicken a nice crispy exterior.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Cook the Wild Rice
While the chicken is baking, rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice to the boiling broth, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through and the wild rice is tender, remove them from the oven and saucepan, respectively. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast alongside a generous portion of wild rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of your creation!
Pro Tips:
- Get creative with the stuffing! Feel free to add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked wild rice or another grain like quinoa or couscous as a side dish.
- Make sure to remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving to avoid any unexpected surprises at the dinner table!
In Conclusion: And there you have it, folks – a mouthwatering Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast paired with fluffy wild rice that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. With its creamy goat cheese filling, vibrant spinach, and tender chicken, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So why wait? Whip up a batch tonight and treat yourself to a dinner that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!
