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:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Fold in the finely chopped spinach and minced garlic.
- Season the filling with salt and red pepper flakes, mixing until uniform and stable.
- 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.
- Spoon roughly 2-3 tbsp of the spinach mixture into each pocket, pressing down firmly.
- Secure the opening of each breast with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent filling leakage.
- Pat the exterior of the chicken dry with paper towels, rub with olive oil, and evenly coat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- 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).