1. Prepare the Stuffing

Start by preparing the stuffing for your chicken breasts. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed. The cream cheese provides a creamy, rich base for the stuffing, while the mozzarella and Parmesan add flavor and a touch of meltiness.

Next, add the spinach. If you’re using fresh spinach, chop it finely, and if you prefer, you can sauté it lightly to soften it and release any excess moisture. Add the spinach to the cheese mixture, followed by salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix everything together until the stuffing is evenly combined.

At this point, you can also add any optional ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bacon. These additions bring an extra layer of flavor to the dish and make the stuffing even more exciting. Mix these add-ins thoroughly into the stuffing mixture.

2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

To stuff the chicken breasts, first, you need to prepare them. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them horizontally to create a pocket for the stuffing. If you prefer, you can also use a sharp knife to carefully cut a slit in the center of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Once the chicken breasts are prepared, season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This basic seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken and help balance the richness of the stuffing.

3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Now it’s time to stuff the chicken. Using a spoon or small spatula, carefully fill each chicken breast with the prepared stuffing mixture. Be sure to pack the stuffing into the pocket or slit, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the opening of the chicken breast so that the stuffing doesn’t spill out during cooking.

4. Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and the butter is melted, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds a beautiful color to the chicken.

5. Bake the Chicken

After the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the oven (or you can transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake the stuffed chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

During baking, the stuffing will melt slightly, creating a creamy, flavorful filling inside the chicken. The exterior of the chicken will remain crisp and golden, giving you a perfect contrast of textures.

6. Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring that it remains tender and moist. After resting, slice the chicken in half to reveal the delicious, gooey stuffing inside.

Serve the Stuffed Chicken Breasts on a platter, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired. You can also drizzle some extra sauce or a balsamic reduction over the top for added flavor.