Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make several horizontal slits (about 4-5 per breast) into the top of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; leave about ½ inch at the bottom of the chicken breast intact.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and Italian seasoning. This mixture will create a flavorful stuffing for your chicken.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
- Carefully stuff each slit in the chicken breasts with a portion of the spinach and mozzarella filling. Try to divide the mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, packing the filling into each slit without overstuffing.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- The cheese should be melted and bubbly, while the chicken should be golden and juicy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional Italian herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Slit size: Make sure the slits in the chicken are large enough to hold the filling, but not too deep that they cut through the chicken.
- Custom fillings: Feel free to switch up the fillings with different cheeses like cheddar or feta, or add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Even cooking: Try to use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If one breast is much thicker than the others, you may want to flatten it slightly to ensure even cooking.
Variations
- Caprese Hasselback Chicken: Stuff the slits with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean twist.
- Pesto Hasselback Chicken: Spread pesto sauce into each slit and stuff with mozzarella and sliced tomatoes.
- Bacon and Cheddar Hasselback Chicken: Swap the spinach and mozzarella for crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese for a heartier, indulgent option.
Why You’ll Love Hasselback Chicken
- Simple yet impressive: The hasselback technique gives the dish a fancy look while being easy to prepare.
- Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite cheeses, veggies, and herbs to make the dish your own.
- Healthy and filling: This dish is packed with protein, veggies, and cheese, making it a satisfying meal without being too heavy.
Hasselback Chicken is a wonderful main dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The slits allow for perfect distribution of flavors, while the chicken stays moist and tender. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal!