Consider this any night of the week because it’s fast and easy. But, don’t overlook it as an entertaining option either. Creamy and cheesy [stuffing] always compliments chicken and roasted carrots make for a perfect side.
hope this makes your belly smile…
Adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine
Timing Tips: First prep. the carrots and the chicken stuffing. Roast the carrots. In the meantime, finishing preparing the chicken. The carrots and chicken will end up in the oven at the same time.
Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
Bag of organic carrots, rinsed and peeled
1-2 T. olive oil
1/2 t. sea salt
1/4 t. black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 t. paprika
1/4 t. cumin
Directions: Preheat the oven 450 degrees. Slice the carrots in half lengthwise and then quarter the halves. In a large bowl, toss the carrots in the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, and arrange carrots in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes (flipping over with a spatula halfway through roasting).
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
3/4 c. feta, crumbled
(Note: store bought “crumbled” feta has several questionable added ingredients you can avoid by buying a block of feta and using a kitchen grater to achieve “crumbles”)
1/2 c. thawed frozen chopped spinach, squeezed dry
3 T. organic cream cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 T. extra virgin olive oil
4 organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Directions: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a small bowl stir together the stuffing ingredients. In the thickest part of the chicken breast, slice a pocket (be careful not to slice all the way through). Stuff ¼ of the mixture into each chicken breast. If needed, secure the stuffing with a toothpick.
Heat an oven-safe skillet to medium heat. Add the olive oil to coat the skillet. Pan sear the chicken (4 minutes on each side). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake 5 additional minutes or until the chicken is done.
Note: Whatever you do, do not cut the chicken for doneness. You should be able to see the chicken cooking up the sides. When it is no longer pink on the sides, the center should be done as well.
If you must cut, wait at least 5 minutes after removing from the oven before doing so. A premature cut will result in bone dry chicken.
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