Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Recipe Introduction: Unleash Flavor with Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Ever feel like your weeknight dinners are stuck in a rut? Me too. That's why I am so excited to share this Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe that's about to change your life.

It is packed with flavor and it is surprisingly easy to make.

A Taste of Tradition with a Twist

Stuffed chicken breast recipes aren't new. But trust me, this one's special. It's a modern take on classic chicken entrees with a festive twist.

Imagine tender chicken filled with a sweet tart cranberry sauce and savory spinach. This recipe is not from Downton Abbey, but it has a sophisticated deliciousness.

It's ready in under an hour, yielding 4 satisfying servings. That's enough for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Why You'll Love This Festive Chicken Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. Spinach is super healthy. This spinach stuffed chicken is packed with protein and vital nutrients.

It is perfect for those autumn and winter nights when you need something comforting and a bit fancy. It's more than just chicken with cranberry sauce .

It's a culinary adventure. Plus, it's simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

Ready to Get Started?

Here's what you'll need: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, fresh spinach, garlic, feta cheese, and your choice of walnuts or pecans.

I promise, each ingredient plays a crucial role. Next, let’s dive into the easy steps to create this delicious meal.

Get ready for a chicken brie recipe that will impress everyone!

Ingredients & Equipment for Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Ready to whip up some seriously tasty Spinach Stuffed Chicken ? Let's talk ingredients and gear. Don't worry, you don't need to raid Harrods.

Just simple stuff! We are cooking some Chicken Entrees today!

Main Players

Alright, here's what you'll need. This Cranberry Chicken recipe is totally worth it, promise!

• Chicken Breasts: You'll want 4 boneless, skinless ones, about 6-8 ounces (170-225g) each. Quality chicken makes a difference. Look for plump breasts.
• Cranberries: A cup (100g) of fresh or frozen. I always use frozen as they are always at hand.
• Spinach: Five ounces (140g) fresh, roughly chopped. Don't overthink the chop!
• Olive Oil: One tablespoon (15 ml) for the chicken, and another one (15 ml) for the spinach.
• Sugar: A quarter cup (50g) of the granulated stuff for the sauce.
• Water: A quarter cup (60 ml). Tap water is fine here!
• Feta Cheese: A quarter cup (30g) crumbled. Makes it a delightful Spinach and feta stuffed chicken .
• Nuts: A quarter cup (30g) of walnuts or pecans. Toasting them is optional.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, because you know what you like.
• Orange Zest: Optional, but a quarter teaspoon (1.25 ml) adds a nice zing.

Seasoning Notes: Making Flavors POP!

Garlic is your best friend here. Just 1 clove. Or, half a teaspoon of garlic powder (2.5 ml) if you're feeling lazy.

Black pepper brings a bit of warmth. Don't be shy with it.

Essential Equipment

Keep it simple, darling. A large skillet, small saucepan, cutting board, and a sharp knife are essential. A meat thermometer? Absolutely crucial to avoid serving raw chicken, it needs to reach 165° F ( 74° C) .

A meat mallet or rolling pin can help flatten the chicken. This ensures even cooking and a perfect Stuffed chicken breast recipe .

Toothpicks or kitchen twine? Optional, but handy for keeping things tidy. I always use them just to be safe. An Easy chicken dinner is a good dinner.

This isn't your typical chicken with cranberry sauce , it's got style! Festive chicken recipe ? Oh yeah!

Cooking Method: Conquering the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken!

Right then, fancy making something a bit special? Forget your usual chicken dinners. This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken is well worth the effort.

Honestly, it looks proper impressive! My first attempt was a bit of a disaster, with stuffing everywhere, but don't you worry! I’ll walk you through it.

We'll have you serving up a festive chicken recipe fit for a queen in no time. I tell you, serving a beautiful stuffed chicken breast recipe gives you a real lift.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission!

First, let's get organised. Chop your 5 ounces of spinach , measure out the 1 cup of cranberries and 1/4 cup of sugar for the sauce.

Mince one clove of garlic , and crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese . Got it all ready? Good job, now is the time to get the oven pre-heated to 375° F ( 190° C) .

Prepping is key for a stress free cook! Now, remember, knife safety first, always keep your fingers tucked in and away from the blade!

step-by-step: Stuffing, Rolling, and Baking!

1. Make the cranberry sauce: Simmer 1 cup cranberries , 1/4 cup sugar , and 1/4 cup water until they burst, about 10- 15 minutes .
2. Sauté 5 ounces spinach with 1 minced clove of garlic until wilted. Stir in 1/4 cup of feta cheese .
3. Butterfly each of the 4 chicken breasts . Make sure you don't cut all the way through!
4. Fill each chicken breast with spinach and then top with cranberry sauce. Don't overstuff!.
5. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
6. Sear the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken in a pan on medium high heat until browned, for about 2- 3 minutes per side.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20- 25 minutes , until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Stuffed Chicken Success

Want to make a Chicken Entrees that's not just good, but amazing ? Here's the lowdown. For even easier slicing, chill the chicken for 15 minutes beforehand.

The internal temperature is key! Always use a meat thermometer. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

This is honestly the best tip! If you want to adapt this recipe, you could try a Chicken Brie Recipe , using sliced apples and brie instead of the cranberry sauce and feta! This recipe makes great Meat Dishes for special occassions!

Recipe Notes for Your Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Masterpiece

Right then, let's talk shop about this amazing Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken . Honestly, it's easier than wrestling a badger, but a few insider tips always help, eh?

Serving Suggestions: A Right Proper Presentation

Fancy schmancy, eh? This Chicken Entrees deserves a smashing presentation. Slice that Spinach Stuffed Chicken on the bias and fan it out on a plate.

I’m telling ya, it looks grand. Maybe add a sprig of rosemary for that extra touch?

Thinking of sides? Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze go down a treat. Or, if you want something lighter, a quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette does the trick.

And for bevies, try a crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc, perhaps?

Storage Tips: No Soggy Bottoms Here!

Refrigeration is key, my friend. Pop any leftovers of this delightful Stuffed chicken breast recipe into an airtight container and they'll be grand for up to 3 days .

Freezing? Go for it! Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil, and they'll keep for up to 2 months .

When reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. This helps keeps the flavor top-notch. Blast it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Variations: Spicing Things Up a Bit

Fancy a twist on this Cranberry chicken recipe ? For a cheeky alternative, try a Chicken Brie Recipe . Swap the cranberry sauce for thin slices of apple, and the feta for some creamy brie.

Oh my gosh, it’s heavenly!

If you're after a gluten-free version, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double check your feta cheese is certified gluten-free. You know, just to be safe!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. Each serving of this Festive chicken recipe contains roughly 350-400 calories. It's packed with around 40-45g of protein, thanks to the chicken, and a good whack of vitamins from the spinach and cranberries.

Not bad, eh? This Spinach and feta stuffed chicken is a winner!

So there you have it! With these tips, you'll be whipping up a Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken masterpiece in no time! Enjoy! Let's make this Easy chicken dinner .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry sauce and spinach filling up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the fridge. You can even assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead, but wait to sear them until just before cooking for the best results.

This makes it a great option if you're channeling your inner Mary Berry and planning a dinner party.

What's the best way to prevent the filling from falling out of my Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken?

That's a classic "soggy bottom" situation, isn't it? Be sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts! Securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine is your best bet. Also, searing the chicken on all sides before baking helps to seal the edges and keep everything nicely contained.

Think of it like a good buttoned-up blazer for your chicken.

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe? Do I need to thaw it first?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the filling. Nobody wants a watery filling, that's just not cricket.

Using frozen spinach is a great way to save time and money, especially if fresh spinach is not in season.

How long does leftover Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken last, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover stuffed chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the oven is best for maintaining moisture wrap the chicken in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

Nobody wants dry chicken, even the Queen prefers a good roast!

I don't have feta cheese. What can I substitute in the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken filling?

No feta, no problem! Goat cheese is a fantastic alternative that offers a similar tangy flavor. You could also use ricotta cheese for a milder, creamier filling. If you are feeling adventurous, try a soft blue cheese such as Dolcelatte for something different. Ultimately, pick your favourite cheese, and run with it!

Is the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe healthy?

This recipe can be part of a balanced diet! It's a good source of protein and contains healthy fats from the olive oil, walnuts/pecans, and cheese. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cranberry sauce, use whole wheat breadcrumbs in the filling (if you choose to add breadcrumbs), and serve it with plenty of vegetables.

Just remember, everything in moderation, as they say in "Absolutely Fabulous!"