Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

I tried this recipe using my new instant air fryer lid and was blown away. Delicious, simple and did I say delicious? The chicken was super moist and once it was in, no real monitoring! I used that time to type up this recipe! Flip the chicken in the middle and all done. Chicken also cooks super fast, within 22 minutes it was done! This recipe can also be made in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. I have included those instructions as well. Try this and let us know if you liked it!

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breast halves (fat trimmed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups spinach
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 oz creamy of goat cheese (recommend using Boursin garlic and fine herbs)
• 3 oz of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil into a pan on medium high heat. Add minced garlic and saute for one minute. Then add 3 1/2 cups of spinach.
2. Season with a dash of salt and lemon pepper and cook for 2 – 3 minutes until wilted. Set aside to cool (see picture below).
3. Slice chicken breasts length wise in the middle, not all the way through to create a pocket (see picture below).
4. Make a spice oil rub for the chicken by combining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp each of lemon pepper, black pepper and garlic powder (see picture below).
5. Rub 1/3 of the rub on the inside of the cut chicken breasts (see picture below).
6. Once spinach is cooled, in a clean bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Add the spinach and mix well. Add 1/2 cup of uncooked spinach as well and mix (this adds a little more thickness and texture).
7. Fill each chicken pocket with 1/4 of the spinach mixture and fold over to make the pockets (see picture below).
8. Using toothpicks, about 3 per breast, close up the chicken pockets (see picture below).
9. Cover the outside of the chicken pockets with the remaining spice oil rub.
10. Cook in air fryer at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes turning half way through (see picture below). Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees.
11. You can also pan sear both sides of the breasts and then bake at 375 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes. Cook until the internal temperate of the chicken is 165 degrees.