Cheesy Chicken Breasts with a Spinach Surprise

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

• In a medium-sized bowl, add ½ cup of cream cheese. Ensure it is soft, so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the bowl for extra creaminess.
• Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic. The garlic will add a nice flavor to the filling.
• Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt to taste. Mix all these ingredients together until you get a smooth, well-combined creamy mixture. Set aside.

2. Add Spinach and Cheese:

• Take ½ cup of fresh baby spinach leaves, and finely chop them into small pieces. You want the spinach to blend well into the filling.
• Add the chopped spinach to the cream cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spinach is evenly distributed.
• Now, add 2 tablespoons of grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice of cheese). This will enhance the flavor and creaminess of the filling. Mix well until the spinach and cheese are fully incorporated into the creamy base.

3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:

• Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut along the center of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through. The pocket should be big enough to hold the filling but still keep the chicken intact.
• Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese filling. Be generous with the stuffing, but don’t overstuff to avoid spillage.
• Once filled, use toothpicks to securely seal the opening of the chicken. Make sure the toothpicks are inserted carefully so the filling stays inside while cooking.

4. Season the Chicken:

• Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper evenly on both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts. The salt will season the chicken, while the paprika and pepper will give it a slight kick and enhance the overall flavor.
• Rub the seasoning into the chicken with your hands to make sure it's well-coated on all sides.

5. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the pan.
• Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This step ensures a crispy exterior while sealing the juices inside the chicken. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the chicken.
• Once golden brown, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

6. Bake the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking tray. If you have any leftover stuffing, you can spoon it around the chicken in the tray.
• Bake the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the chicken is fully cooked. You can check with a meat thermometer to be sure.

7. Serve and Garnish:

• Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving.
• Garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes or any herbs you like (such as basil or parsley) for added color and freshness.
• Serve your creamy spinach-stuffed chicken with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.