Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

If you’re looking for a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare, Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is your new best friend. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach, garlic, and melted cheese, all seasoned to perfection. The result? A dish that’s both indulgent and healthy, with flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, impressing guests, or treating yourself to a little something special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Flavor-packed: The spinach filling combines creamy cheese, garlicky goodness, and a slight bite from the spinach itself, which complements the tender chicken perfectly. Every bite is bursting with flavor!

Elegant yet simple: While it looks fancy, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. You’ll impress anyone you serve it to while keeping things stress-free in the kitchen.

Healthy and satisfying: Spinach is packed with nutrients like iron and vitamins, and the chicken gives you that lean protein you need, making it a great choice for a nutritious, filling meal.

Versatile: Serve it alongside roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad. This dish is flexible enough to pair with whatever you love.

Ingredients in Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Here’s everything you need to make this tasty stuffed chicken:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts:

The star of the dish! Tender and juicy, boneless skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for the creamy spinach filling.

Fresh Spinach:

Packed with nutrients, fresh spinach is the perfect veggie to stuff inside your chicken. It wilts down beautifully and adds a rich, earthy flavor.

Cream Cheese:

The creamy base of the spinach stuffing. It helps bind everything together and gives the filling a rich, velvety texture.

Mozzarella Cheese:

Melted mozzarella adds a cheesy, gooey element to the filling. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the spinach.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic adds that irresistible savory aroma and flavor to the stuffing. You can never have too much garlic!

Parmesan Cheese:

A sprinkle of Parmesan enhances the filling with a sharp, nutty flavor. It gives the stuffing just the right balance of richness.

Olive Oil:

Used for sautéing the spinach and garlic. It also helps to brown the chicken on the stovetop before baking.

Salt and Pepper:

Basic seasoning for both the chicken and the filling, bringing out the natural flavors in the dish.

Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine:

To secure the chicken breasts after stuffing them. If you don’t have either, you can always use skewers to hold everything together while cooking.

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet impressive meal:

Prepare the Spinach Filling:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted down, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach is done, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Add the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the spinach. Mix everything together until the filling is creamy and well combined.

Prepare the Chicken:

While the spinach mixture is cooling, prep the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create enough space to stuff the filling inside.

Stuff the Chicken:

Spoon the spinach filling into each chicken breast pocket. Be generous with the filling! Once stuffed, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges of the chicken so the filling stays inside during cooking.

Sear the Chicken:

In the same pan you used for the spinach, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown.

Bake the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

Serve:

Once the chicken is done, remove the toothpicks or twine. Slice the chicken in half to reveal the creamy spinach filling, and serve warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350-400 (depending on portion size and stuffing)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

With Roasted Veggies: Roasted potatoes, carrots, or asparagus would make a great side to this chicken dish. The earthy flavors of the roasted veggies pair beautifully with the creamy stuffing.

Over Rice: Serve the chicken on top of a bed of rice—whether it’s fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even a savory pilaf.

With a Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a refreshing complement to this rich and savory chicken.

With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy stuffing and rich chicken are perfect when paired with buttery mashed potatoes. So comforting!

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the spinach filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Stuff the chicken just before cooking for a quicker meal.

Spinach Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you could use other leafy greens, like kale or chard. Just make sure to sauté them down to reduce any moisture.

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer chicken thighs, they work beautifully in this recipe! They’ll be juicier and add a different texture, but the cooking method stays the same.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to play around with different cheeses for the filling. Goat cheese, feta, or even sharp cheddar could be delicious alternatives!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen spinach works great! Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all the excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken without searing it first?
A3: While searing helps create a delicious crispy crust, you can skip this step and bake the chicken directly. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken cooks through.

Q4: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A4: To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, a non-dairy cheese substitute, and olive oil instead of butter.

Q5: Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
A5: Yes! This recipe would work well with pork tenderloin or turkey breasts. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein.

Q6: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A6: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q7: Can I use chicken with skin on?
A7: Yes! If you prefer chicken with the skin on, you can sear the skin side first and then bake. The skin will get nice and crispy, adding even more flavor to the dish.

Q8: Can I stuff the chicken with other veggies?
A8: Of course! Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted peppers to the filling for a different twist.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the chicken’s texture.

Q10: Can I freeze stuffed chicken breasts?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed, un-cooked chicken breasts. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Conclusion

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a total winner! It’s flavorful, elegant, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade dinner. With its creamy spinach filling, tender chicken, and versatile serving options, it’s the kind of meal you’ll find yourself making over and over again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is scrumptious!

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