Tired of bland chicken dinners? These stuffed chicken thighs are a game-changer! Imagine juicy, tender chicken wrapped around a flavorful, savory filling – it’s an easy dish that looks incredibly impressive and tastes even better. You’ll love how simple it is to elevate your weeknight meal with this recipe.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Essential for stuffing.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry) works well.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling. You can use light cream cheese.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best. Garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for flavor. Nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy, dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs for texture in the filling. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work too.
- Chicken Broth: For cooking. Water with a bouillon cube is an option.
Ingredients:
Main:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
* 1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
* 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools needed: Cutting board, sharp knife, mixing bowl, large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, meat thermometer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken Thighs
Pat your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Lay each thigh flat on your cutting board.
2. Make the Savory Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. If using, add the sun-dried tomatoes and parsley. Mix everything well until fully combined and evenly distributed.
3. Stuff and Roll the Thighs
Spoon a generous amount of the filling (about 1/4 of the mixture) onto the center of each chicken thigh. Carefully roll each thigh tightly to enclose the filling. You can secure them with toothpicks if needed, but often they stay together on their own.
4. Sear the Stuffed Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken thighs seam-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly golden brown. This helps seal the filling and adds flavor.
5. Finish Cooking in the Oven
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
6. Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the stuffed chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps keep them juicy and tender.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover stuffed chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier. If using breasts, opt for thinner ones or butterfly thicker ones, and adjust cooking time.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
A: You can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before mixing it into the filling.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
A: The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the filling, to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can stuff the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Q: What can I serve with these stuffed chicken thighs?
A: They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a side salad, or rice.
Q: Can I freeze cooked stuffed chicken thighs?
A: Yes, once completely cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
