Description

This elegant dish features tender chicken breasts generously filled with a savory mixture. Inside, creamy Gouda cheese melts beautifully alongside tangy sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The chicken is pan-seared to achieve a golden, crisp exterior, then finished in the oven for a perfectly juicy and succulent interior.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
4 oz Gouda cheese, shredded
1/4 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the chicken breasts by carefully butterflying each one, cutting horizontally almost all the way through to create a pocket. Alternatively, place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
In a small bowl, combine the shredded Gouda cheese, chopped sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Divide the filling mixture evenly and spoon it into the pocket of each butterflied chicken breast, or spread it over one half of the pounded chicken and fold the other half over. Secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking.

Do not overstuff the chicken to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.

Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 480
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 45g