Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

  • Prep 30 min
  • Total 55 min
  • Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 box (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (4 oz)
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 oz each)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
  • Hot cooked rice or rice pilaf, if desired

Steps

  • 1
    In 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving fat in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside.
  • 2
    In same skillet, cook onion and garlic in bacon fat over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender. Remove skillet from heat; set aside. In medium bowl, mix spinach, egg, thyme and cheese. Stir in onion mixture and bacon.
  • 3
    In thick side of each chicken breast, cut 3-inch-long pocket to within 1/4 inch of opposite side of breast. Spoon about 1/4 cup spinach mixture into pocket in each chicken breast. Sprinkle pepper over chicken.
  • 4
    In same skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until light brown on all sides. Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook 10 to 20 minutes longer, turning if necessary, until chicken is no longer pink in center (170°F). Serve immediately with rice.

  • No thyme in your cupboard? Basil makes a good stand-in with a little different flavor.
  • Prepare chicken breasts up to a day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
300
Calories from Fat
150
Total Fat
17g
25%
Saturated Fat
6g
30%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
125mg
41%
Sodium
390mg
16%
Potassium
380mg
11%
Total Carbohydrate
4g
1%
Dietary Fiber
1g
6%
Sugars
1g
Protein
34g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
70%
70%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
20%
20%
Iron
10%
10%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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