Imagine biting into a juicy chicken breast, perfectly stuffed with creamy goat cheese and vibrant spinach, all topped with sweet caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms. This Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms is a dish that promises a delightful burst of flavor in every bite, making it a favorite for all the right reasons!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of goat cheese, spinach, and caramelized onions creates a perfect blend of tangy and sweet.
- Elegant Presentation: The hasselback cut transforms a simple chicken breast into a stunning dish that’s sure to impress.
- Simple Ingredients: Using a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful dish comes together with a few of your kitchen’s best friends. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, amplifying the overall flavor and making this dish as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Chicken Breasts: Select plump, fresh chicken for the juiciest results.
- Olive Oil: Helps in cooking and adds a rich flavor base for the chicken and vegetables.
- Organic Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a touch of color and a wealth of nutrients.
- Goat Cheese: The creamy tang plays beautifully against the sweetness of the onions.
- White Onion & Baby Bella Mushrooms: Together these create a savory, caramelized topping that’s utterly irresistible.
- Fresh Thyme: Infuses the dish with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Variations
This dish is delightful as is, but the fun in cooking is making it your own! There are plenty of ways to twist and turn this recipe to suit your mood or pantry stock.
- Cheese Swap: Try using cream cheese or feta for a different flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use Portobello mushrooms instead of chicken for a hearty vegetarian option.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully make six slits on top of each chicken breast, being cautious not to cut through completely. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Spinach & Cheese Filling
Sauté the spinach in a pan with a bit of olive oil and garlic powder until it wilts. Mix the cooked spinach with goat cheese until well combined, then stuff this mixture into the chicken slits.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions & Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add more olive oil, then sauté your onions, mushrooms, and thyme until caramelized, seasoning them with salt and pepper. This creates that delicate sweetness and rich umami depth.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Nestle the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet with the onions and mushrooms, ensuring space between each piece. Bake until the chicken hits 165°F, filling your kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma.
Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
- Hasselback Technique: Ensure your slits are deep enough to hold the stuffing, but not so deep that it falls apart.
- Browning Benefits: Give your onions and mushrooms extra time to caramelize for that lovely golden color and flavor.
- Cheese Tip: For ultra-smooth mixing, bring the goat cheese to room temperature before blending with spinach.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little fresh thyme over the top right before serving for an added pop of green and fresh aroma. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also heighten the dish’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish harmonizes beautifully with a side of roasted potatoes or a vibrant quinoa salad. For a lighter option, consider a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Slicing the chicken before serving and fanning it out like a deck of cards can make a visually appealing presentation. You can also serve it atop a bed of sautéed orzo for a lovely contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure the chicken cools completely before sealing it away to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing
Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This dish will stay delicious in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain the moist texture without overcooking.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out to avoid a watery filling.
-
What can I replace mushrooms with if I’m allergic?
You can substitute the mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers for a similar texture with a different flavor profile.
-
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
-
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative to suit a dairy-free diet.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a dish that’s as flavorful as it is beautiful. I hope you feel inspired to bring this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms into your own kitchen and discover its magic. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures. Juicy chicken breasts are carefully stuffed with a flavorful spinach and goat cheese mixture, then baked to perfection alongside sweet caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms, making it an impressive yet easy dish for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups organic spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces goat cheese
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the chicken breasts by using a sharp knife to make 6 slits in the top of each, ensuring not to cut all the way through the meat.
- Season and prepare chicken: Drizzle each chicken breast with ½ tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set aside.
- Cook spinach: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add ½ tablespoon olive oil. Add spinach and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted. Transfer to a medium bowl.
- Mix filling: Stir the goat cheese into the cooked spinach until well combined.
- Stuff chicken: Carefully stuff each slit with the spinach and goat cheese mixture.
- Caramelize onions and mushrooms: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced onions, mushrooms, thyme, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook chicken: Move the onion and mushroom mixture to the sides of the skillet to make room for the chicken. Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring space between each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute cream cheese instead of goat cheese; for extra melted cheese, add ¼ cup mozzarella.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes post-baking for juicier results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.8 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 28.7 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *