If there’s one dish that never fails to impress at both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, it’s Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. Moist chicken loaded with a cheesy spinach filling, golden on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside, makes every bite a delightful experience. This recipe delivers not only on taste but also on simplicity, bringing together wholesome ingredients into a meal that’s as nourishing as it is memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it leans on simple, familiar ingredients, each playing a starring role in the flavor, color, or creamy texture of your finished dish. Be sure to use good-quality basics—it’s the little touches that take Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast from good to unforgettable!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4): Choose chicken breasts of similar size so they cook evenly and are easy to stuff.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps achieve that crave-worthy golden sear.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory depth on the chicken’s surface for aromatic flavor.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle warmth and a hint of color to the crust.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat without overpowering.
- Fresh spinach, chopped (1 cup): The star of the stuffing, adding earthy flavor and a burst of vibrant green.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup): Creates the creamy, luscious foundation for the filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Brings extra melt and stretch to the stuffing.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Packs in salty, nutty flavor—just a little goes a long way here.
- Garlic clove, minced (1): Fresh garlic gives the filling a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Red pepper flakes, pinch (optional): Optional, but adds a subtle kick if you’re craving just a bit of spice.
How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Spinach Filling
Start by combining the filling ingredients in a small bowl: softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, freshly chopped spinach, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some gentle heat. Mix them up until everything is evenly incorporated—you’ll be amazed how the cheeses meld with the spinach to make a mixture that’s both rich and vibrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Stuffing
Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket horizontally into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold your cheesy spinach mixture, so try to make it as deep and even as possible. Then, season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to develop a flavorful outer crust as it cooks.
Step 3: Stuff and Secure the Chicken Breasts
Spoon your prepared spinach and cheese filling evenly into each chicken pocket, gently pressing it in to achieve a generous portion. If the filling tries to sneak out, that’s totally normal—just coax it back in and secure the opening with toothpicks if needed. This extra step helps your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast hold its shape beautifully as it cooks.
Step 4: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Once hot, carefully place your stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, until the surface turns golden brown. This quick sear locks in moisture and gives your dish a restaurant-style finish—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Juicy
Transfer your skillet straight to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The layer of melty cheese should be bubbling and the chicken wonderfully tender. Let your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast rest for about 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving, which will keep all those creamy juices inside.
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Garnishes
A sprinkling of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil goes a long way in adding freshness and color when presenting your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. If you want to bring out extra zing, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a lemon wedge on the side lets guests add brightness to taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a rainbow of vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even a quick cauliflower mash if you’re keeping things low carb. For a classic pairing, serve the Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast alongside buttery mashed potatoes or fragrant rice pilaf to soak up those delightful juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or date night, slice your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast crosswise and fan the pieces out on a platter to reveal the vibrant swirl of spinach and cheese inside. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or arrange on a bed of sautéed greens for that extra bit of restaurant flair at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast fresh, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled before transferring to the fridge to lock in moisture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooked, cooled Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast! Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Frozen portions will last up to 2 months—just be sure to label and date your packages for optimum taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. This gentle method helps keep the filling creamy and the chicken moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, but for the best results, go slow and low.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before mixing into the cheese filling. Frozen spinach is a handy alternative and still delivers a deliciously green burst of color.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part—165°F is your magic number for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. The juices should run clear, and you’ll notice the filling is hot and melty throughout.
Is it possible to prep Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast ahead of time?
For extra convenience, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours early, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
What else can I add to the filling?
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crispy cooked bacon are popular upgrades—they bring a punch of flavor and extra texture to the classic Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. Feel free to make it your own with your favorite cheeses or herbs!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives if needed. There are many plant-based cheese options that melt well and create a creamy filling, so you don’t have to miss out on the richness of this dish.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes deliver as much comfort and wow-factor as Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or to impress your guests, it’s a recipe that’s sure to be requested again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to meal!
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe that is perfect for a flavorful and satisfying dinner. Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare filling: Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Prepare chicken: Cut a pocket in each chicken breast, season with spices.
- Stuff chicken: Fill each breast with spinach-cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Sear chicken: Sear in skillet until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer to oven and bake until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Enhance the filling with sun-dried tomatoes or bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
