Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Spinach stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion and sure to impress your family and guests.

The image shows three thick slices of stuffed chicken breast arranged side by side on a white plate. Each slice has an outer layer of golden-brown, crispy chicken with visible seasoning and a slightly charred texture. Inside, the chicken is filled with a vibrant green spinach mix combined with creamy melted cheese, creating a soft, textured inner layer. Behind the chicken slices, there is a small pile of cooked spinach leaves, deep green in color with a glossy finish. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a hint of a red cloth underneath, enhancing the warmth of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Set it aside for later.
  2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
  3. Step 3: Season the outside of each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed, to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  6. Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly browned.
  7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven or move the chicken to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture for a mild kick.
  • Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for feta cheese to add a tangy twist to the filling.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until heated through to maintain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different cooking ingredients. One bowl contains four raw pink chicken breasts, another is filled with fresh green spinach leaves. There is a bowl of light golden olive oil, a bowl with finely shredded mozzarella cheese, and a smaller bowl with grated white cheese. A white bowl holds yellowish grated Parmesan cheese, and a small bowl contains a mix of dried green herbs. A whole garlic bulb and a few garlic cloves rest on a white marble board, which also has some thick white cheese slices. Another bowl contains a finely ground spice mix that is dark with light flecks. A folded grey cloth napkin is placed to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. For best results, cook them within the same day.

What can I serve with spinach stuffed chicken breasts?

This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Print

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic, then seared and baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful and elegant dish that’s simple to prepare, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

  • Author: Isla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Stuffing

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  3. Season Chicken: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Make Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
  5. Stuff Chicken: Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed.
  6. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move the chicken to the prepared baking dish) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is approximate and may vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
  • Ensure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making pockets to prevent stuffing from leaking.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring to another dish after searing, which reduces cleanup.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
  • To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving.

Keywords: Spinach stuffed chicken breast, stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, creamy spinach chicken, healthy chicken recipe

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