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Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Creamy Basil Sauce: One of the Most Popular Recipes 2020

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella, pan-seared, then finished with a luscious creamy basil sauce. A standout weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil preferably California-grown
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and minced garlic. Evenly stuff each chicken breast with the mixture and secure the opening with toothpicks.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. In the same skillet over medium heat, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts drizzled with the creamy basil sauce. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 48gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

To save time, use pre-chopped spinach or frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry. For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee safety. Avoid over-stuffing the pockets or the filling may leak during cooking. Serve with roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

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