Description
Discover how to make a delicious Cheesy Chicken & Spinach Skillet in this easy recipe. Perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil divided
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced (10 g)
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh spinach
- 1/4-1/2 tsp (3 ml) crushed red pepper optional
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts about 900 g of chicken
- 1/2 tbsp (8 ml) Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese softened
- 4 oz (113 g) shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Take the cream cheese out to allow it to soften, then finely chop the garlic and onion. Grate the mozzarella if it isn’t already shredded.
- Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the chicken by trimming it and slicing it lengthwise to create four thinner fillets, then season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat for about a minute, until it begins to shimmer. Add the onion and cook for one minute.
- Add the spinach, minced garlic, and, if desired, the crushed red pepper. Cook for around three minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts. Transfer the spinach mixture to a separate bowl.
- Pour another tablespoon of vegetable oil into the skillet and spread it around. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook each side for three minutes over medium heat until browned.
- Turn off the heat. Spread cream cheese over each chicken piece (it’s okay if it’s not perfect; cutting it into small pieces can help), then layer with the sautéed spinach and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Switch to broil on high for one minute to melt and brown the cheese.
Notes
- Season chicken generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Soften cream cheese in advance for easier spreading on the chicken.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding crushed red pepper to the spinach mixture before layering it over the chicken.
