Description
Juicy golden chicken breasts overflowing with creamy garlic spinach, melty cheese, and rich herb flavor — baked to perfection with a glossy cowboy-butter finish.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Cheesy Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded provolone or Monterey Jack
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- For the Cowboy Butter Finish
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of flaky salt
- Optional Add-Ons
- Sun-dried tomatoes mixed into the spinach
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra mozzarella melted on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Spinach: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, pepper, and salt; cook 1 more minute, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prep the Chicken: Slice a deep pocket into each breast. Rub outside with olive oil, season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each pocket with garlic butter spinach and a generous handful of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Press to seal; secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Sear & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Brush generously with cowboy butter. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 18–22 minutes until cooked through and filling is bubbling.
- Finish with Cowboy Butter: Brush remaining cowboy butter over chicken for a rich, glossy finish.
- Serve: Slice and serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Spoon leftover pan juices over the top for ultimate cheesy-garlic flavor.
Notes
- Mix sun-dried tomatoes into the spinach for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Extra mozzarella on top adds an indulgent cheesy layer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Chicken
- Method: Sear & Bake
- Cuisine: American