Health N’ More

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Chicken Breast:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup low-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach and Mushroom Filling:

• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
• Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
• Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
• Drain any excess moisture from the spinach and mushroom mixture.

2. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts:

• Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
• Using a sharp knife, cut a slit horizontally through the thickest part of each chicken breast, but do not cut all the way through. This creates a pocket for the filling.

3. Season and Stuff the Chicken:

• In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
• Season both sides of each chicken breast with this spice mixture.
• Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and mushroom mixture, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Secure the pockets with toothpicks if needed.

4. Cook the Stuffed Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat a non-stick oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and Serve:

• Remove the stuffed chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
• Remove the toothpicks before serving.

6. Enjoy:

• Serve your healthy spinach and mushroom stuffed chicken breast with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or a simple salad, for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

This stuffed chicken breast recipe combines lean protein with the earthy flavors of spinach and mushrooms, making it a delightful and healthy dish. The cheesy, savory filling adds a burst of flavor to each bite, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome dinner.