Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines the crispy perfection of breaded chicken with a luxurious, veggie-packed surprise inside! This Chicken Spinoccoli isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine cutting into a golden, crunchy chicken breast to reveal a molten center of melted mozzarella, vibrant spinach, and tender broccoli that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, finely chop the spinach and broccoli into small, uniform pieces. Mix together with shredded mozzarella cheese, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach, broccoli, and cheese mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed and packed gently.
- Prepare two shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Carefully dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breading adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown each breaded chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side to create a crispy exterior.
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breading is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge.
Tips
- Butterfly your chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket for stuffing, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a crispy, even coating that won't fall off during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 165°F (74°C) is crucial for food safety and juicy chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to your breadcrumb mixture.
- If you want a lighter version, you can bake the chicken entirely instead of pan-searing first, though you might lose some of the crispy exterior.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature - the melted cheese is most delicious when it's still warm and gooey!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 135mg
