Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
03 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ For the Stuffing

04 - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
05 - ½ cup dried cranberries
06 - ½ cup goat cheese, softened
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
09 - 1 tsp dried rosemary

→ For the Glaze (Optional)

10 - 1 tbsp honey

# Instructions:

01 - Turn your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
02 - Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Make sure you don't cut all the way through - you want to create a pocket that opens like a book but stays connected.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, dried cranberries, softened goat cheese, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended.
04 - Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cranberry mixture. If the filling is trying to fall out, secure the opening with toothpicks.
05 - Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they're lightly golden brown on the outside.
06 - Transfer the seared chicken to your prepared baking dish. If you want a sweet glaze, drizzle the honey over the top. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Take the chicken out of the oven and remove any toothpicks. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices inside and makes it extra tender.

# Notes:

01 - Be careful not to cut all the way through when making the pocket - you want it to stay connected like a hinge.
02 - Make sure your goat cheese is softened to room temperature so it mixes easily with the other filling ingredients.
03 - Searing the chicken first locks in the juices and gives you a nice golden crust before baking.
04 - The honey glaze is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
05 - Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - 165°F is the safe temperature for chicken.
06 - This looks fancy enough for company but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
07 - Serve with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a simple green salad.

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