Description
This Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and creamy baked chicken dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful filling of cream cheese, fresh spinach, garlic, and mozzarella. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden and cooked through, this recipe makes for a comforting and elegant main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (half of 1 cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (remaining half of 1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being cautious not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with the prepared spinach and cream cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Mix breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake: Place the coated, stuffed chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked by checking with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Fresh spinach can be lightly sautéed prior to mixing if you prefer a softer filling, but fresh works well and adds texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- Removing toothpicks before serving is recommended to avoid any choking hazard.
