If you’re on the hunt for an unbeatable weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but is totally doable, you must try the Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms. It’s a decadent feast for the senses with creamy goat cheese, vibrant spinach, and a delightful mix of caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The tangy goat cheese melts beautifully into the juicy chicken, creating a luscious, velvety smooth filling.
- Earthy Flavor: The caramelized onions and mushrooms bring a warm, earthiness that’s deeply satisfying.
- Weeknight Gourmet: Impress your family with minimal effort—it’s a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easily swap goat cheese for cream cheese for a milder taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are wonderfully simple yet impactful, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. From the creamy goat cheese to earthy mushrooms, each component adds a unique flair to the dish.
- Chicken Breasts: The stars of the dish, providing a juicy blank slate for stuffing.
- Olive Oil: Helps in keeping the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness to the vegetables.
- Organic Spinach: Adds color and a dose of healthy greens to the stuffing.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor of the spinach, providing a hint of savory depth.
- Goat Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the hearty chicken.
- White Onion: Caramelizes to add sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms: Offers an earthy flavor that complements the caramelized onions.
- Fresh Thyme: Infuses the dish with a subtle, herbaceous aroma.
- Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): Adds a sweet acidity that brightens the flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is making a recipe your own! This dish is easily adaptable, offering endless possibilities for customization based on what’s in your pantry or personal dietary needs.
- Savory Sauce: Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the stuffing for an added zing.
- Different Cheese: Swap the goat cheese for cream cheese or feta for a new flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Try rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a fresh twist.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, and with a sharp knife, create 6 slits in each chicken breast—just deep enough to stuff, but not cut through. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, then set them aside to soak in those flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Spinach and Stuff the Chicken
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your spinach seasoned with garlic powder until it wilts beautifully. Mix with goat cheese until creamy, then stuff into the slits of each chicken breast.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add more olive oil and sauté the onions, mushrooms, thyme, and optional balsamic vinegar. Let them mingle until the onions turn sweet and the mushrooms rich and golden. Shift them aside in the skillet to make room for the chicken.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed chicken into the skillet, nestling among the mushrooms and onions. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Enjoy a spectacular, cozy meal!
Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
- Stuffing Perfection: Don’t overstuff the slits; a little filling goes a long way without spilling out during baking.
- Golden Onions: For perfectly caramelized onions, cook them low and slow, allowing their natural sugars to emerge.
- Right Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the bake time; using a meat thermometer ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Choose Freshness: Fresh spinach and herbs elevate the dish with bright, vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot dish. It not only adds a pop of color but a fresh aroma that elevates the entire meal.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or perfectly roasted potatoes. For something more indulgent, try a creamy risotto that echoes the rich flavors of the stuffing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a standout presentation, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board with the caramelized onions and mushrooms scattered artfully around the meat, highlighting its delicious filling at each slit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the chicken stays moist and retains its flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts (once cooled) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through, maintaining their juicy tenderness.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may require a little more time to cook through compared to breasts.
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What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your preference, cream cheese or feta are great alternatives that will still provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
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How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as almond ricotta, and ensure the stuffing retains that creamy texture.
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Is it possible to grill this chicken instead of baking?
Grilling is an option, though ensure your stuffing is well secured to avoid it spilling out during cooking. Pay attention to the grill temperature for an even cook.
Final Thoughts
Embark on a culinary journey with your own Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms. It’s an ultimate dinner choice that promises to enchant every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your family favorites!
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Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This delicious goat cheese and spinach stuffed chicken breast is cooked with caramelized onions and mushrooms, creating a savory and elegant dish that’s perfect for dinner. The tender chicken is filled with a creamy spinach and goat cheese mixture, then baked to perfection with flavorful sautéed onions and mushrooms. It’s a wholesome, low-carb recipe that offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, ideal for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups organic spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces goat cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, make 6 slits into the top of each chicken breast in a hasselback fashion, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Spinach: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add ½ tablespoon olive oil. Add the spinach, season with garlic powder, and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Transfer the cooked spinach to a medium bowl and stir in the goat cheese until well combined. Stuff each slit with the spinach and goat cheese mixture.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced onions, mushrooms, thyme, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Sauté until the onions caramelize and the mushrooms turn golden brown. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet to make space for the chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring space between them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute goat cheese with cream cheese; adding ¼ cup shredded mozzarella if desired.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with more balsamic vinegar before serving.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.8 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 28.7 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
