If you’re searching for a dinner that looks impressive, tastes out-of-this-world, and is super easy to pull off on a weeknight (or for company!), this Spinach Stuffed Chicken has your name written all over it. Imagine juicy chicken breasts oozing with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling—each bite perfectly seasoned, totally comforting, and just a little bit fancy. Whether you’re whipping up a quick family meal or wowing your friends, this recipe is the delicious answer. Let’s talk about how to bring this dreamy dish to your own kitchen table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about using simple, accessible ingredients that work hard behind the scenes to deliver big flavor, gorgeous color, and just the right touch of melty, cheesy goodness. Every element has a job to do, and together, they make Spinach Stuffed Chicken truly sing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas for that savory spinach and cheese filling, plus they cook up super moist.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the filling, ensuring layers of flavor inside and out.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that complements the creamy filling and highlights the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Paprika: Lends a lovely golden-red color and a subtle earthy taste that really brings the dish alive.
- Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear on the outside before the chicken finishes in the oven.
- Cream cheese: Softened to make the filling ultra-creamy and luscious, helping hold everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that irresistible stretch and mild flavor that melts beautifully into the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty depth and just enough saltiness to make the filling pop.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Offers color, nutrients, and a faint earthy bitterness that balances all the richness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the filling with robust aroma and savory bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that gives the chicken a fragrant Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This step means you’ll be able to smoothly transfer the browned chicken from stovetop to oven later, and that little bit of oil helps prevent any sticking—plus easier cleanup!
Step 2: Create the Chicken Pockets
Lay the chicken breasts flat and, with a sharp knife, slice a pocket into the side of each one. Be gentle and careful not to cut all the way through—the goal is to create a deep pocket for the spinach and cheese stuffing to nestle inside. A steady hand goes a long way here!
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Now, generously sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Don’t be shy—seasoning is what builds flavor from the very start and ensures every bite of your Spinach Stuffed Chicken is delicious inside and out.
Step 4: Make the Filling
Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. Mix until everything is cohesive and luxuriously creamy. The combination of cheeses and herbs with fresh spinach is what sets this dish apart!
Step 5: Stuff the Chicken
Divide the spinach and cheese filling evenly among the chicken breasts, tucking it carefully into each pocket you made earlier. If you’re finding it tricky to keep the filling inside, use toothpicks to gently secure the open edges. This keeps all that melty goodness tucked away while the chicken cooks.
Step 6: Sear for Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re golden brown. This step locks in juices and gives your Spinach Stuffed Chicken a beautiful, appetizing crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Once seared, slide the skillet right into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures perfectly juicy chicken and a filling that’s bubbly and melted all the way through. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so those delicious juices settle into every bite!
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
For a bright finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A light squeeze of lemon adds a beautiful tang that wakes up the flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese. Don’t shy away from a little extra grated Parmesan, too—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Side Dishes
Spinach Stuffed Chicken is so versatile that it pairs effortlessly with a variety of sides. Try serving it with roasted seasonal vegetables, a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or a light pasta with olive oil and herbs. If you’re keeping things low-carb, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are terrific options.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy touch, slice each chicken breast on a bias to reveal the vibrant, melty filling inside and arrange the pieces in a fan on each plate. A drizzle of balsamic reduction or a swirl of tomato sauce under the chicken turns your Spinach Stuffed Chicken into a restaurant-style centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Stuffed Chicken keeps beautifully! Simply cover and refrigerate any extras in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner the next day an absolute treat.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Spinach Stuffed Chicken for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap each breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stuffed chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out. About 15 minutes does the trick—just until heated through. For a quick option, the microwave works, but use a lower power setting and watch it carefully to keep the chicken juicy and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before mixing it with the cheeses. You’ll want to use about half the amount listed for fresh, since frozen spinach is denser.
Is Spinach Stuffed Chicken keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for keto or low-carb diets. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies fits beautifully into a keto meal plan as long as the side dishes stay low-carb too.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries—simply sear the chicken in any skillet, then transfer the stuffed breasts to your greased baking dish to finish baking in the oven. The results will still be every bit as delicious!
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooked crispy bacon, or even a few sautéed mushrooms. The cheese filling is a welcoming canvas for all sorts of delicious add-ins.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Take care not to overstuff the chicken, and use toothpicks to gently secure the open edges. Also, searing the stuffed breasts quickly over medium-high heat helps “seal” them before they bake. A little leakage is normal but won’t affect the final result!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about serving Spinach Stuffed Chicken—it’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight but special enough for any occasion. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience all the creamy, savory, comforting flavors for yourself. You might just find it becoming a favorite in your own kitchen, too!
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture, baked to golden perfection. A flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spinach Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Make Filling: Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stuff mixture into chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until browned.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Notes
- Enhance with sun-dried tomatoes or bacon in the filling.
- Pair with roasted veggies or pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
