Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz / 170g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • ½ tsp (2g) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (3g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (3g) smoked paprika
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (28g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp (1g) red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp (1g) salt

Instructions:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella.
  2. Fold in the finely chopped spinach and minced garlic.
  3. Season the filling with salt and red pepper flakes, mixing until uniform and stable.
  4. Lay the chicken breasts flat and cut a pocket into the thickest part of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  5. Spoon roughly 2-3 tbsp of the spinach mixture into each pocket, pressing down firmly.
  6. Secure the opening of each breast with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent filling leakage.
  7. Pat the exterior of the chicken dry with paper towels, rub with olive oil, and evenly coat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until a deep mahogany crust forms, then transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).