Healthy stuffed chicken!

Stuffed chicken is Chris' favorite meal I make with the exception of my Mac and Cheese-and let's face it, we won't be seeing Mac and cheese anytime soon. This is the very first recipe that I didn't use another recipe for the ground work-so its my pride and joy! Chris is equally as good at cooking as I am so I think this was really about one upping him (yea I'm a one upper) and it hit the spot! 

What you'll need:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fat free mozzarella cheese 

2 Roma Tomatoes 

Roughly 2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach 

Minced garlic

Coconut oil

Low sodium chicken broth 

Toothpicks

Cayenne (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375 while you're preparing the rest. The next step you can do hours before or right before. Today, I did my prep work before since Chris doesn't get home until late. 

In a medium sized pan, heat the coconut oil (on medium heat). Dice up the tomatoes and the spinach and set aside in a small bowl. When the coconut oil is melted add in roughly half a spoonful of garlic and brown it lightly in the pan. Add in tomatoes and spinach. This should only take 3-5 minutes to cook. 

Once the tomatoes and spinach are finished, set them aside in the bowl until the chicken is prepared. In preparation to stuff the chicken, I always take a small bowl out to put a few handfuls of the mozzarella cheese that way I'm not wasting cheese or rinsing my hands every time I stick them in the bag. :) 

Rinse and clean your chicken as normal. I'm picky, naturally this takes me 15-20 minutes. I cut off every single bit of fat I see and it takes forever! Anyhow, I find a paring knife works best for this recipe after MANY failed attempts at opening the chicken without poking through the bottom! I start at the top  in the middle and slowly cut it down.

Hard to explain but it's easier than it sounds! 

Now everything is prepped and the chicken is ready to be stuffed! Personally, I put the spinach/tomatoe mixture in first and the mozzarella on top but if you want it extra cheesy I'd put a layer of cheese, the mixture then another top layer of cheese. 

Once the chicken is stuffed I secure the fold using toothpicks-usually 3-4 per breast, and place them in a baking dish. I put just enough low sodium chicken broth in the baking dish so that the entire bottom is covered. -This eliminates dried out chicken that baking so often causes :) Here's where I add all my fun spices!

Like I said,this part is optional however it adds some great flavor! Cayenne is said to help boost your metabolism and well I'll take all the help I can get! I'd use that sparingly though, unless you love spicy food!

This is exactly how mine looks before it goes in the oven. Just a thin layer of the broth on the bottom and it's ready to go in the oven! Set your timer for 35 minutes and all should be great!

And the finished product! 

Low fat, healthy, easy, and incredibly flavorful baked chicken! I promise it'll be a hit!