Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with every single bite - without hours of complicated cooking! This Deliciously Light Baked Tuscan Chicken is your ultimate culinary escape, combining the vibrant flavors of Italy with a simple, foolproof recipe that will make you look like a professional chef. Whether you're cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving a gourmet meal, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning. Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken breasts.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to create a flavorful marinade.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by carefully slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting completely through. This allows for even stuffing and cooking.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced flavor.
- Brush the exterior of each stuffed chicken breast with the prepared olive oil and seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional chopped herbs before serving. Plate with a side of roasted vegetables or light salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Prep Like a Pro: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful, even browning.
- Even Stuffing Matters: When filling chicken breasts, distribute ingredients carefully to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let the chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts earlier in the day and refrigerate, baking just before serving for a stress-free meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 335kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
