Print

Holiday Stuffed Chicken Breast

Holiday Stuffed Chicken Breast
Print Recipe

This Holiday Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity, festive charm, and mouthwatering flavors. Featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach, dried cranberries, goat cheese, nuts, and fresh herbs, it creates a colorful and delicious centerpiece ideal for any special celebration. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, this dish brings an elegant and healthy option to your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese, crumbled/softened
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté fresh spinach with minced garlic in a small amount of olive oil over medium heat until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach and garlic, dried cranberries, crumbled goat or cream cheese, chopped nuts, and finely chopped fresh herbs. Season the stuffing with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently until well blended.
  2. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice horizontally through the middle of the breast, stopping before cutting all the way through, to create a pocket for the stuffing.
  3. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared filling into each chicken breast pocket. Press gently to evenly distribute the stuffing without tearing the meat.
  4. Secure and Season: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the chicken breasts, ensuring the stuffing stays inside during cooking. Brush each breast with olive oil and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh herbs.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts to avoid piercing through the sides and keep the filling intact.
  • Moderate the amount of filling to prevent the chicken from bursting during cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and achieve clean cuts.
  • Customize fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley according to preference and seasonality.

Nutrition

Keywords: Holiday Stuffed Chicken Breast, stuffed chicken, festive chicken recipe, holiday main dish, baked stuffed chicken, goat cheese stuffing, cranberry chicken, gluten free holiday recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/holiday-stuffed-chicken-breast/