If you’re looking to elevate your chicken dinner game, look no further than this sumptuous Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms. This delightful dish combines the tangy richness of goat cheese with the earthy flavors of spinach, all nestled inside juicy chicken breasts. Topped with sweet caramelized onions and savory mushrooms, it’s a feast for your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory mushrooms, sweet onions, and creamy goat cheese takes your taste buds on a delightful journey.
- Simple Elegance: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with lean protein, vitamins from spinach, and healthy fats from olive oil, it’s a deliciously balanced meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each adding a layer of taste and texture that come together to create culinary magic.
- Chicken Breasts: Use thick, boneless, skinless chicken breasts ideal for stuffing and baking to juicy perfection.
- Olive Oil: Serves as the base for sautéing, adding a rich, Mediterranean flavor.
- Organic Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nutritious green touch and melds beautifully with goat cheese.
- Goat Cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy flair that complements the savory elements of the dish.
- White Onion & Baby Bella Mushrooms: These classic vegetables shine when caramelized, bringing sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Thyme: A subtle herb that punctuates with aromatic notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms your own! The recipe is easily adaptable, inviting you to vary the cheeses or vegetables based on preference or dietary needs.
- Cream Cheese Substitute: For a milder, creamier filling, swap the goat cheese for cream cheese mixed with a bit of mozzarella.
- Extra Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or artichokes to the stuffing for added flavor and nutrition.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Using a sharp knife, hasselback each chicken breast by making six cuts across the top, being careful not to slice through completely. Drizzle with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prep the filling.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the spinach, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cook until the spinach wilts, and then combine it with goat cheese in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, then fill each slit on the chicken breasts with this delightful mixture.
Step 3: Sauté and Assemble
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, then toss in sliced onions, mushrooms, thyme, and optional balsamic vinegar. Sauté until the onions caramelize and mushrooms turn golden. Move them aside, nestle the stuffed chicken in the skillet, and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
- Hasselback Perfection: Cutting slits into the chicken allows for even cooking and better infusion of flavors throughout the meat.
- Caramelization: Let the onions reach a deep golden hue to bring out their natural sweetness, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
- Herb Infusion: Adding fresh thyme early in the cooking process helps the flavor permeate the mushrooms and onions more evenly.
- Temperature Check: Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for moist and safe consumption.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley. This offers a pop of color and a burst of fresh aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light, refreshing salad. A classic Caesar salad or garlic mashed potatoes would complement the rich flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider plating the stuffed chicken breast over a bed of quinoa or wild rice. This not only adds texture but also provides a lovely visual contrast to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a flavorful meal anytime throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This maintains the juicy texture and integrity of the dish.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cheese for stuffing?
Absolutely! While goat cheese offers a creamy, tangy flavor that’s hard to beat, you can experiment with cream cheese, feta, or even a soft brie for a different taste profile.
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Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and the stuffing a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble and bake them just before serving.
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What can I do if I don’t have fresh thyme?
If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can substitute it with dried thyme, using about half the amount. Alternatively, other herbs like rosemary or oregano can add a lovely flavor.
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Is it possible to use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well too. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the cheese.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love cooking and savoring every bite of this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also delightfully satisfying. I’d love to hear about your personal twists to the recipe and how it impressed your dinner guests!
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/International
Description
Savor the delightful blend of tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy goat cheese and fresh spinach, then topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms for a flavorful and elegant meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spinach 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 making slits across the top of each—cut 6 evenly spaced slits, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
- Season and prepare chicken: Drizzle each chicken breast with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Wilt spinach: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add ½ tablespoon olive oil, then add spinach and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully wilted. Transfer to a bowl and stir in goat cheese until evenly combined. Stuff each slit in the chicken with this mixture.
- Cook onions and mushrooms: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add sliced onions, mushrooms, thyme, optional balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are golden brown. Push the mixture to the sides of the skillet to make space for the chicken.
- Roast the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring space between each. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), indicating cooked-through chicken.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cream cheese for goat cheese; if so, consider adding ¼ cup shredded mozzarella for extra meltiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and serve the stuffed spinach mixture over roasted vegetables or pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.8 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 28.7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
