If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty and sophisticated but surprisingly easy to make, look no further than our delectable Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms. It’s a delightful culinary adventure wrapped up in juicy chicken with a luscious filling that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This recipe combines the rich creaminess of goat cheese with the earthy notes of spinach and mushrooms.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Perfect for a cozy dinner yet sophisticated enough to impress guests.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Loaded with protein and veggies, this meal is both satisfying and good for you.
- Versatile: Easily tweak it to suit your taste with optional balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one contributes to an overall flavor profile that’s both harmonious and bold.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose high-quality, free-range chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle brings out the natural flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Organic Spinach: Fresh spinach provides vibrant color and essential nutrients.
- Goat Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a tangy bite that’s hard to resist.
- White Onion: Sliced thin, they caramelize beautifully for added sweetness.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they complement the goat cheese perfectly.
- Fresh Thyme: Infuses the dish with a hint of herby freshness.
- Balsamic Vinegar (optional): Adds an optional sweet-tangy layer of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the lovely flavors here.
Variations
This dish is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to play with flavors based on your mood, pantry staples, or dietary preferences. Here’s how you can tweak it:
- Cheese Swaps: Sub in cream cheese or feta for a different take on the stuffing.
- Vegetarian Version: Use large portobello caps instead of chicken for a mushroom-rich twist.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding some rosemary or basil for a change in flavor profile.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully slice 6 slits into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach and Mix the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté spinach with garlic powder until just wilted. Combine with goat cheese in a bowl, creating a dreamy, creamy filling for the chicken slits.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add more oil, onions, mushrooms, thyme, and optional balsamic vinegar. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until everything is golden brown and beautifully caramelized.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet among the mushroom-onion mixture. Bake in the oven until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, offering perfectly cooked, tender meat.
Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
- Slicing Technique: Use a gentle saw-like motion to create even slits without cutting through.
- Perfect Spinach: Wilt spinach just enough to maintain its vibrant green hue without turning soggy.
- Timing Matters: Keep a close eye on the onions and mushrooms; stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Bake to Perfection: Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F and retains its juices.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms
Garnishes
For a striking presentation, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives over the fully baked dish. A light zest of lemon can ratchet up the flavors exquisitely.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad or roasted root vegetables. A creamy mashed potato or polenta is excellent if you’re in the mood for something richer.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each chicken breast over a bed of quinoa or couscous, artfully arranging the onions and mushrooms around the chicken for a restaurant-style look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a treat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For a longer shelf-life, freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the chicken for about 15 minutes, or until fully heated through. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the chicken moist.
FAQs
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Can I use any other cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese lends a unique tangy flavor, cream cheese or feta can also work wonderfully.
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What can be used instead of fresh spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, thawed frozen spinach is a great alternative—just be sure to drain it well.
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Is it essential to use balsamic vinegar?
No, it’s optional. Balsamic vinegar adds a bit of sweetness and acidity but the recipe holds up beautifully even without it.
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Sure! If you use dried thyme, remember that it’s more concentrated, so use about a third of the fresh amount.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s easy to love and easy to share, this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms could be your new go-to meal. It’s rich in flavor yet light on effort, making it perfect for any occasion. I hope you give it a try and find yourself savoring every bite!
Print
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
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms is a wholesome and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are cut and filled with a creamy spinach and goat cheese mixture, then baked to perfection alongside tender caramelized onions and mushrooms, creating a savory and nutritious meal that impresses every time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
For the Filling
- 4 cups organic spinach
- 2 ounces goat cheese
For the Caramelized Onions & Mushrooms
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking after the chicken is stuffed.
- Prepare the chicken: Use a sharp knife to hasselback each chicken breast by making 6 slits into the top, being careful not to cut all the way through. Drizzle each breast with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the spinach: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the spinach, sprinkle with garlic powder, and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Transfer the cooked spinach to a bowl and stir in the goat cheese until well combined. Stuff each slit with the spinach/goat cheese mixture.
- Caramelize onions and mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions, mushrooms, fresh thyme, and optional balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet to make room for the chicken.
- Cook and bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring there is space between each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven, allow to rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with the caramelized onions and mushrooms on top or on the side.
Notes
- For a creamier filling, substitute cream cheese for the goat cheese and add 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
- You can prepare and assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to customize the herbs or add other vegetables to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 136 mg
- Fat: 12.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.8 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 28.7 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg
