Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a horizontal slit in each breast, creating a deep pocket without cutting all the way through. Set aside.
- Place the spinach in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted, or saute on the stove over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool until comfortable to handle.
- In a separate large bowl, mash together the softened cream cheese and minced garlic until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella.
- Once the spinach has cooled, squeeze it firmly over the sink to remove as much water as possible. Stir the squeezed spinach into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks positioned horizontally to keep the filling secure during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet (at least 12 inches) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the stuffed chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown on both sides.
- Working quickly, top each chicken breast with 2 tomato slices and 2 tablespoons of the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F when measured in the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling). If you want the cheese more golden, broil for 1 to 3 minutes at the end.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Squeeze spinach as dry as possible to avoid a watery filling. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken (not the filling) for an accurate temperature reading. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
