Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience with these irresistible Swiss Cheese Chicken Breasts! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with vibrant spinach and melted Swiss cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a gourmet journey that combines simplicity with restaurant-quality elegance, perfect for impressing family and friends or treating yourself to a luxurious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Swiss cheese, sliced
- Spinach, fresh
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast by slicing through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves and pat them dry. Layer a few spinach leaves inside each chicken breast pocket.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the spinach inside each chicken breast, ensuring it fits neatly within the pocket.
- Carefully close the chicken breast pocket and secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Top each breast with an additional slice of Swiss cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Remove toothpicks, plate the chicken, and garnish with additional fresh spinach leaves if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a sharp knife when creating the pocket to keep the chicken breast intact and prevent tearing.
- Don't skip the searing step - it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary inside the chicken pocket.
- If you don't have toothpicks, carefully use kitchen twine to secure the chicken breast pocket.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
