Sundried tomato spinach cheese has become my go-to for an impressive weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours. I first stumbled upon this magical combination when I was trying to use up some leftover cream cheese and had a jar of sundried tomatoes calling my name. The way the tangy sundried tomatoes mingle with the earthy spinach and the creamy, melty cheese filling is just divine. Seriously, the aroma that fills my kitchen when this bakes is incredible – a mix of savory herbs, garlic, and that unmistakably rich cheese blend. It’s a fantastic spinach sundried tomato cheese bake that even picky eaters will devour. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
You’re going to adore this Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese chicken for so many reasons! It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion brunch.
- Impressive Presentation: Stuffed chicken breasts always look so elegant, and this filling makes them extra special.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy, savory cheeses is simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Despite its fancy appearance, this dish comes together surprisingly fast. You’ll love how simple the stuffed chicken is to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who are usually hesitant about spinach will be won over by this delicious cheesy filling.
- Adaptable: Feel free to swap out cheeses or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Perfectly Moist: The creamy cheese filling ensures the chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken ahead of time, making dinner a breeze on busy nights.
Ingredients for Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making a truly delicious meal. You’ll be amazed at how these components come together to create a fantastic spinach sundried tomato cheese bake.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6-8 ounces each, for a perfect serving
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped – packed with nutrients and a lovely green color
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped – these add a wonderful chewy texture and intense, sweet-tart flavor
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – this is the base for our creamy, dreamy filling, making everything meld together beautifully
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – for that classic cheesy pull and mild flavor
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – adds a salty, nutty depth to the filling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory aroma and taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that complements the other flavors
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the deliciousness
- Olive oil (for cooking) – just a splash to get a nice sear on the chicken
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional) – for a pop of fresh color and aroma
How to Make Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
Ready to create this incredible dish? It’s simpler than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s dive into making this delightful sundried tomato spinach cheese pasta inspired chicken!
Preparing the Filling
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice, even bake.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, let’s get our hands dirty! Combine the chopped spinach, chopped sundried tomatoes, and all that glorious cheese: 1 cup softened cream cheese, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.
- Step 3: Add the 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks like a wonderfully thick, cheesy, green mixture. You should start smelling that amazing savory aroma already!
Stuffing and Searing the Chicken
- Step 4: Now for the chicken. Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each breast. Be gentle; you don’t want to cut all the way through!
- Step 5: Generously spoon that delicious sundried tomato spinach cheese filling into each pocket. Don’t be shy – pack it in there! Use a few toothpicks to secure the opening so none of that cheesy goodness escapes during cooking.
- Step 6: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
Baking to Perfection
- Step 7: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to your preheated oven. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through. The easiest way to tell is with a meat thermometer – it should register 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The cheese inside should be bubbly and molten.
- Step 9: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the chicken incredibly moist and tender.
- Step 10: Remove the toothpicks and serve your gorgeous sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken immediately. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a lovely fresh finish!
Pro Tips for the Best Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken absolutely sing. Following these simple tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely spectacular, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful result every time.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the filling; it mixes much more smoothly.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken pockets, as it can make sealing and cooking more difficult.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking – this is key to keeping it juicy!
- If you don’t have oven-safe skillet, simply sear chicken in a regular skillet and transfer to a baking dish.
What’s the secret to perfect Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken?
The magic lies in creating a well-balanced filling where the cream cheese acts as a binder, ensuring no deliciousness escapes. Properly searing the chicken before baking also seals in moisture and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your sundried tomato spinach cheese dish. For more tips on searing techniques, you can check out resources on proper searing methods.
Can I make Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are going into the oven cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken?
A common pitfall is cutting too deep when making the pocket, causing the filling to ooze out. Also, resist the urge to overcook; a meat thermometer is your best friend here. Overcooking will dry out the chicken, making it less enjoyable.
Best Ways to Serve Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
This versatile sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, I love serving it alongside a light, zesty lemon orzo pasta. The bright flavors cut through the richness of the cheese filling beautifully. Another fantastic option is a simple roasted asparagus or green beans – their crisp texture and fresh taste complement the savory chicken perfectly. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, a creamy polenta or a side of garlic mashed potatoes makes for an incredibly comforting spinach sundried tomato cheese bake experience.
Variations of Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken You Can Try
This sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but I love getting creative in the kitchen! Here are a few ways you can switch things up to make it your own. You can easily adapt this for different dietary needs or cooking methods, making it even more versatile.
- Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, use a good quality dairy-free cream cheese alternative and skip the mozzarella and Parmesan, or use dairy-free shredded cheese blends. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it’s still incredibly tasty!
- Breadcrumb Crust: Want a little crunch? After stuffing and searing, lightly coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs before baking. It adds a wonderful crispy texture contrast to the creamy filling.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese filling mixture. This creates a delightful spicy sundried tomato spinach cheese melt effect.
- Grilling Option: While baking is my favorite, you can also grill this chicken! Sear it first, then grill over indirect heat until cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the filling from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
Can I freeze Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts! After they’ve cooled completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. For the best results, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes your sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken a convenient make-ahead option.
What kind of sundried tomatoes work best for this recipe?
I find that oil-packed sundried tomatoes offer the best flavor and a slightly softer texture, which makes them easier to chop and mix into the filling. If you use dry-packed ones, just be sure to rehydrate them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes before chopping. They’ll still give you that wonderful intense flavor in your spinach sundried tomato cheese bake.
How do I prevent the cheese filling from leaking out?
The key is to not overstuff the chicken pockets and to secure them well with toothpicks. Make sure the pocket isn’t too large, and gently press the filling in. Searing the chicken before baking also helps to seal the edges slightly. If a little bit does ooze out, don’t worry too much – it still tastes amazing, and the cheese that escapes often creates a delicious crust on the bottom of the pan.
Can I make this a vegetarian Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese dish?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken breasts and bake the filling in a small oven-safe dish, perhaps topped with a bit of extra mozzarella. It makes for a fantastic vegetarian sundried tomato spinach cheese bake or a hearty dip, perfect for serving with crusty bread or crackers.
Nutrition Facts for Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
This sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken recipe is a satisfying main course. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (one stuffed chicken breast):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of cheese and portion size.
How to Store and Reheat Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese Chicken
I love that this sundried tomato spinach cheese chicken is fantastic for leftovers! Once your delicious stuffed chicken has cooled completely, it’s time to think about storage. For the best quality, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep this cheesy delight for longer, wrapping individual cooled chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and placing them in a freezer-safe bag will preserve them for up to 3 months. This spinach sundried tomato cheese bake freezes beautifully!
Reheating is super simple! For refrigerated leftovers, I find that gently warming them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes works wonders. For frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. Then, reheat using the same methods. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the chicken a bit rubbery, though it’s still perfectly edible!
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Sundried Tomato Spinach Cheese: Astonishing 4-Step Bake
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe features succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to seal the openings.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach and good quality sundried tomatoes for best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness.
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate chicken briefly before stuffing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: N/A