🧾 Ingredients

For the Stuffed Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

• ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese

• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, helps bind filling)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ons

• 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1 tsp honey (for light drizzle after baking)

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine:

• Chopped spinach

• Dried cranberries

• Swiss cheese

• Cream cheese (if using)

• Optional nuts

Mix until evenly combined.

3️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

• Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast (don’t cut all the way through).

• Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

4️⃣ Stuff

Spoon the filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket.
Secure with toothpicks if needed.

5️⃣ Sear (Highly Recommended for Flavor 🔥)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear stuffed chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

6️⃣ Bake

Transfer to baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7️⃣ Finish & Serve

Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Optional: drizzle lightly with honey for a sweet-savory finish.

💡 Pro Tips

• Pound chicken slightly for even thickness before cutting pocket.

• Don’t overstuff — it can leak while baking.

• For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

• Spoon pan juices over the top before serving for extra moisture.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing.

Q: What cheese can I substitute for Swiss?
Mozzarella, provolone, gouda, or white cheddar all work well.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat at 325°F covered to prevent drying.

Q: Can I air fry this?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 16–20 minutes, depending on thickness.

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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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