Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich flavors of cream cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. This easy skillet dinner not only impresses at dinner parties but also makes for a quick weeknight meal. With its vibrant colors and aromatic ingredients, it’s perfect for various occasions—be it a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of sundried tomatoes and creamy cheese offers a burst of Italian flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve it with garlic bread or a refreshing salad to complement the rich flavors.
• Impressive Presentation: Stuffed chicken breasts look sophisticated on any dinner table, sure to wow your guests.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and protein-rich chicken, this recipe supports a balanced diet.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Toothpicks
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large bowl: Ideal for brining the chicken, ensuring it’s flavorful and juicy.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken evenly before baking, enhancing its texture.
• Toothpicks: Useful for holding together the stuffed chicken breasts during cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz. each)
• ¼ cup kosher salt

For the Filling

• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes in olive oil with herbs
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

For Seasoning and Cooking

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)

How to Make Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and add kosher salt. Fill the bowl with water to cover the chicken breasts completely and stir until the salt dissolves. Allow the chicken to sit in this brine for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Carefully slice a slit into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through; this will create pockets for stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Divide the cream cheese, spinach, sundried tomatoes, and mozzarella among the slits in each chicken breast. The order of layering doesn’t matter; just ensure each pocket is filled generously.

Step 4: Secure and Season

Use toothpicks to close up each stuffed chicken breast securely. Sprinkle both sides of each breast with black pepper and coarse sea salt.

Step 5: Sear in Skillet

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast until browned on both sides—this may require doing so in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Bake

Once all pieces are browned, return them to the skillet. Sprinkle halved grape tomatoes over the top of the chicken. Transfer to your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Remove from oven and let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for optimal flavor.

Enjoy your Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach as a delicious main course that everyone will love!

How to Serve Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

Serving Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is an opportunity to impress your guests or enjoy a delightful dinner at home. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

With Garlic Bread

• Perfect Pairing: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.

On a Bed of Rice

• Flavorful Base: Place the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal. Consider using herbed rice for added flavor.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Fresh & Light: A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Colorful Addition: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, add color and nutrition to your plate.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving for an aromatic finish.

Served with Pasta

• Carb Delight: Pair alongside pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for an Italian-inspired meal.

How to Perfect Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

To ensure your Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Brine Method: Brining the chicken in saltwater ensures it remains juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.
• Bold Temperature Control: Preheat your skillet well before adding chicken; this helps achieve a nice sear.
• Bold Stuffing Technique: Be generous but careful when stuffing the chicken to avoid spilling out during cooking.
• Bold Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F; this guarantees safety without overcooking.
• Bold Rest Period: Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This helps retain juices when slicing.
• Bold Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with additional spices like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bold Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the flavors of the stuffed chicken beautifully.
2. Bold Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds a nutritious touch.
3. Bold Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a crunchy texture that balances the dish’s richness.
4. Bold Couscous: Fluffy couscous flavored with lemon zest brings brightness to your plate.
5. Bold Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds offer both elegance and crunch.
6. Bold Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds sophistication while enhancing visual appeal.
7. Bold Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
8. Bold Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A cool pasta salad featuring olives, artichokes, and cheese provides an exciting twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can impact the dish’s success. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the brine: Not brining the chicken can lead to dry meat. Always brine for at least 30 minutes to ensure juicy, flavorful chicken.
• Overstuffing the chicken: Stuffing too much filling into the chicken breasts can cause them to burst during cooking. Measure your ingredients carefully and ensure they fit comfortably.
• Not preheating the skillet: Failing to preheat your skillet can prevent proper browning. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken for that perfect sear.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can dry it out. Allow the chicken to rest for five minutes before serving for optimal juiciness.
• Using low-quality sundried tomatoes: Poor-quality sundried tomatoes can affect the dish’s flavor. Choose high-quality, flavorful sundried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; it can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach?

Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a delicious skillet dish where chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy cheese, spinach, and flavorsome sundried tomatoes.

Can I customize the filling for Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach?

Yes! You can add ingredients like artichokes, olives, or different cheeses based on your taste preferences.

How do I know when Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

What should I serve with Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach?

Pair this dish with garlic bread or a light side salad for a complete meal that complements its rich flavors.

Conclusion

Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is not only simple to prepare but also impressively flavorful, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste!