27 Apr 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 package spinach
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup low moisture mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1 cup olives
This delicious spinach-stuffed chicken with olives recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients, making it an ideal meal for a healthy and satisfying dinner. Filled with succulent chicken, creamy cheeses, and nutritious spinach, it's a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit along the thickest side of each chicken breast to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be cautious not to cut all the way through.
3. Season the Chicken:
Rub the inside and outside of each chicken breast with 1 tbsp of the olive oil (save the other tbsp for later), garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Spinach:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach using a paper towel.
5. Make the Stuffing:
In a medium bowl, combine the wilted spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped olives. Mix well.
6. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Evenly distribute the spinach mixture into the pockets of each of the chicken breasts. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the stuffing inside.
7. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Carefully dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
8. Bake the Chicken:
Place the egg-washed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the tops are golden brown.
9. Serve:
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
10. Enjoy:
Serve the spinach-stuffed chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Tips:
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness to cook evenly.
- Use fresh spinach for a more vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach can work as well.
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the spinach after cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of olives for varying flavors.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can sear the chicken breasts in a pan before baking.
- If you prefer a garlic forward taste, replace garlic powder with freshly minced garlic.
Enjoy your spinach-stuffed chicken with olives as a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious combination of flavors and textures. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete and wholesome meal.