Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Spinach stuffed chicken is a delicious and healthy meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy spinach filling. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with the oil.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
4. Step 4: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set the chicken aside.
5. Step 5: In another small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
6. Step 6: Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket.
7. Step 7: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can be used if thawed and well-drained.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to the filling mixture.
• To keep chicken breasts moist, consider covering the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to finish baking.

Storage

Store leftover spinach stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out.

What can I serve with spinach stuffed chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 121 reviews

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes. Baked to perfection, it’s a delicious, protein-packed dish perfect for a wholesome dinner.

• 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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Season chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with olive or avocado oil evenly. In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, then sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
3. Prepare chicken pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Set the chicken aside.
4. Make the filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir well until fully blended.
5. Stuff the chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring they are well filled.
6. Bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach can be used if thoroughly drained and squeezed of excess moisture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
• Stuffed chicken can be paired with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: spinach stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, baked chicken recipe, creamy spinach chicken, easy dinner recipes