Description
This Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy goat cheese and wilted spinach mixture, then baked alongside caramelized onions and earthy baby bella mushrooms infused with fresh thyme and optional balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups organic spinach
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breast.
- Prepare the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, make 6 slits into the top of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through to create pockets for the stuffing.
- Season chicken. Drizzle each chicken breast with ½ tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the spinach. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add ½ tablespoon olive oil. Add the spinach and sprinkle with garlic powder. Stir occasionally until the spinach is wilted, then transfer to a medium bowl.
- Mix the filling. Stir the goat cheese into the wilted spinach until the mixture is well combined.
- Stuff the chicken breasts. Carefully fill each slit on the chicken breasts with the spinach and goat cheese mixture, distributing evenly.
- Caramelize onions and mushrooms. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced onions, mushrooms, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar if using, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and the mushrooms are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Arrange and cook chicken in skillet. Push the onion and mushroom mixture to the sides of the skillet to make room for the stuffed chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet ensuring space between each piece.
- Bake the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.
Notes
- Use an ovenproof skillet to facilitate cooking on the stovetop and finishing in the oven without transferring dishes.
- The optional balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the caramelized vegetables.
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature for food safety.
- Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
