Ingredients
Method
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This is a key step for getting a good sear. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, minced garlic, and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place a chicken breast on a cutting board. Carefully slice a deep pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. I find that holding my hand flat on top of the chicken helps guide the knife.
- Fill the Pockets: Evenly divide the spinach and cranberry mixture among the four chicken breasts, stuffing it carefully into each pocket. Don't overfill, as the filling can spill out during cooking.
- Secure the Chicken: Press the edges of the pocket together to seal. You can secure them with a few cocktail sticks if you're worried about the filling escaping. What works best for me is using three sticks per breast, spaced evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully golden brown.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven. If your pan isn't oven-safe, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 74°C on a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for keeping the chicken moist. Don't forget to remove the cocktail sticks before serving!
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 74°C. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
