Bi-Lo Bargain Meal of the Week - Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Mmm, this is some good stuff!  Even my eleven year old ate a huge bowl tonight (and like most kids, he's not into spinach).  This is good enough for company and totally worth the extra steps.  While it takes a little longer to prepare, you can do some of the prep work early in the day so all you have to do is put it in the oven at dinnertime!  

What You'll Need:


6 Chicken Thighs
Southern Home Chicken Thighs & Legs - 99¢/lb
(about 50¢ each, so $3)
*This recipe can just as easily be made with chicken breasts!*


Fresh Spinach
Fresh Express 9oz Spinach BOGO @ $2.79
USE 55¢ OFF printable
MAKES IT 29¢


1/2 cup Mushrooms, diced
8 oz white mushrooms - 99¢
*TIP -Keep an eye out for discounted produce.  These were marked down from $2.50!*
(1/2 cup costs 49¢)


1/2 cup shredded Mozarella cheese
Kraft Natural Shredded or Chunk Cheese - $2
USE $1/2 from Guy's Game Day Playbook or Kroger Home Mailer
MAKES IT $1.50
(1/2 cup costs around 38¢)


1 can diced Tomatoes
Southern Home Diced Tomatoes BOGO @ 99¢
MAKES IT 49¢


From The Pantry or Fridge:  


1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Butter 
1 1/2 - 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
Salt
Pepper
1/2 tsp Oregano 
Nutmeg (optional)
Cracked Red Pepper (optional)


Pasta or Rice

Add butter and olive oil to pan begin cooking garlic and mushrooms.  

Then add the spinach.  I know it looks like a lot, but trust me on this one!  

Once it cooks down it's not going to look like near as much....

Add about 1 tsp of Salt, 1/2 tsp Pepper, and 1/2 tsp Oregano. 

 I also add just a tiny pinch of Nutmeg and Cracked Red Pepper because I always cook my spinach that way, but whatever floats your boatl!)

Then stir in the Mozzarella until it's melted.  Rinse and pat the chicken thighs dry.  

*I deboned the chicken thighs and removed all of the skin as soon as they were purchased.  This is optional, but it sure does make it easier for this recipe (and a little healthier, too).  Deboning them only takes a few minutes and it's really easy.  You can find some pretty basic directions here.*

Lay chicken thighs flat side down and fill each one with about two tablespoons of spinach/mushroom mixture. 

Bring the outer edges of the chicken thigh together (you are basically rolling it up) 

and secure with toothpicks.

 Place in a baking dish, toothpick side down.  Don't forget to spray your dish with cooking spray!

Cover the chicken with the entire can of diced tomatoes.  

I also add more salt, pepper, and garlic - but again that's optional.  

Bake at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour.  

Tonight, I served this yummy goodness up over some linguine.  And it was GOOD!  

TOTAL MEAL COST:  $4.65