Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken

There’s something truly comforting about a well-prepared chicken dish. Its versatility and ability to pair well with a myriad of ingredients make it a favorite in many households. However, sometimes the usual grilled, roasted or fried chicken can become monotonous. What if we could elevate this everyday protein into a gourmet feast without adding any extra hassle? Allow us to introduce you to a delightful dinner: Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken.

This recipe is a wonderful spin on the classic Hasselback technique, traditionally used for potatoes. But instead of potatoes, we’re using a succulent chicken breast, stuffing it with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The result is an impressive dish that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with an array of flavors and textures. The tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully contrasts with the earthy spinach, while the chicken provides a satisfying, protein-packed base.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to spice up your weekly dinner rotation, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. Stay tuned as we delve into the steps to creating this delicious, easy-to-make dish that will take your chicken dinners to a whole new level.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken

This Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic and serves four people. With just 195 calories per serving, this dish is not just tantalizing to your taste buds but also considerate of your calorie intake. If you’re on the Nutrisystem plan, you can count it as two PowerFuels, one Extra and one Vegetable.

The ingredients you’ll need for this delicious meal include two teaspoons of olive oil, two minced garlic cloves, three cups of fresh spinach, a quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, two tablespoons each of fresh chopped basil and whipped cream cheese, one pound of chicken breast, black pepper to taste, and two tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.

To start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Then, in a pan over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the garlic to the heated oil and allow it to cook for a minute, just until it releases its aroma. Next, add the fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and let them cook until the spinach wilts. Season this mixture with Italian seasoning and fresh basil.

For the next step, stir the whipped cream cheese into the pan. Continue stirring until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture has turned creamy. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set it aside.

Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Carefully cut a few slits in each chicken breast, going about three-quarters of the way down. Be sure not to cut all the way through the chicken. Season the chicken with black pepper to your preference.

Then, place the seasoned chicken onto a greased baking dish. Fill each slit with the prepared spinach and sun-dried tomato mixture. Sprinkle the top with the grated parmesan cheese. Bake this prepared dish for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

To finish off, broil the chicken for one to two minutes to crisp the tops. And there you have it, a delightful Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken meal ready to be savored!

Complementing Your Meal: Sides to Serve with Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken

While the Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken is indeed a star on its own, pairing it with the right side dish can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Here are some suggestions that complement the flavors of this chicken dish wonderfully:

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli or carrots can bring out their natural sweetness, providing a delightful contrast to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes in the chicken. You can season these with olive oil, salt, pepper and a touch of Italian seasoning to echo the flavors in the chicken.

2. Quinoa Salad

A light and refreshing quinoa salad can balance the richness of the cream cheese in the chicken. Mix cooked quinoa with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives and feta cheese, then dress it with a lemon vinaigrette for a Mediterranean-inspired side.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for something more comforting, garlic mashed potatoes would be a great choice. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs well with the stuffed chicken, and the garlic flavor ties in nicely with the chicken’s garlic undertones.

4. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus, lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper, offers a crisp, slightly charred counterpart to the tender chicken. Plus, it’s a healthy option that adds color and nutrients to your plate.

5. Risotto

A creamy risotto, especially one flavored with parmesan or mushroom, would be a luxurious side to serve with the Hasselback chicken. The creaminess of the risotto complements the cream cheese in the chicken stuffing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Remember, the best sides are the ones that you enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different options until you find your perfect pairing for this Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Hasselback Chicken dish.