Description
Protein-packed cottage cheese stuffed chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and nutrient-rich dish. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a spinach and cottage cheese mixture, then baked with vibrant vegetables for a wholesome, high-protein meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or ghee, tallow, coconut oil, or olive oil), divided
- 3 medium shallots, finely diced
- 2 heaping cups fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup cottage cheese, excess liquid drained
- 1/4 cup liquid egg whites
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), chopped
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced shallots and cook for about 2 minutes until soft. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine garlic powder, cottage cheese, egg whites, cooked spinach, and shallots. Mix until evenly combined. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast. Spoon the cottage cheese mixture into each pocket and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Add chopped bell peppers and halved tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier texture.
- Add red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of spice.
- Fresh herbs like basil or dill can be added for extra flavor.
- If using smaller chicken breasts, adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Transfer to a baking dish if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
