Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F with a rack positioned in the center. Allow oven to fully preheat before baking.
- In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash together the cold cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic until smooth. Stir in shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach until fully combined. Set aside.
- Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Cut a slit 3/4 of the way into the breast without cutting all the way through. Stuff each breast with one-third of the filling and seal the opening horizontally with a toothpick. Ensure the chicken can lay flat for even searing.
- Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 4 minutes per side without moving until deep golden brown.
- Flip one final time and immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Thicker breasts will need the full 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon pan juices over the top before serving.
Notes
Use even-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking. Use cold block-style cream cheese only. Frozen spinach works if fully thawed and squeezed completely dry. Do not cut all the way through the chicken to prevent filling from leaking. Always use a meat thermometer. Spoon pan drippings over chicken when serving for maximum flavor.
