Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Breasts:

* 3 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless (1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)

* 3/4 tsp salt

* 1/2 tsp black pepper

* 1/2 tsp garlic powder

* 1/2 tsp paprika

* 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

* 4 oz cream cheese cold

* 1 Tbsp mayonnaise

* 2 garlic cloves pressed

* 1/4 tsp salt

* 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped

* 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

* 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425˚F with a rack in the center. In a mixing bowl, mash together cream cheese, mayo and garlic with a fork then stir in mozzarella, parmesan and chopped spinach leaves until combined.

Lay chicken on a flat surface and cut slit 3/4 of the way through without cutting all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast with 1/4 of the mixture and seal horizontally with a toothpick (make sure the chicken breast can lay flat on the sides for searing.

Season the outside of the chicken breast all over with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp paprika, or season to taste.

Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in an oven-proof pan such as cast iron, or large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté for 4 minutes per side until golden brown on each side.

Flip a second time and immediately transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake at 425˚F for 10-15 minutes until thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers at 165˚F. Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon pan juices over chicken to serve.