If you’re ready for a weeknight dinner that’s as impressive as it is effortless, Spinach Stuffed Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Moist chicken breasts are packed with a savory, cheesy spinach filling, seasoned with just the right blend of spices, and beautifully baked to perfection. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy indulgence, making it ideal for impressing guests or spoiling yourself on a regular Tuesday night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients, but each one serves a purpose—whether it’s adding creaminess, bold flavor, or that perfect golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single item!
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless to easily create pockets and ensure a juicy, forgiving bake.
- Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous sear and locks in moisture during baking.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers deep, savory flavor in both the filling and the seasoning rub.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and wonderful color to the chicken’s exterior.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning inside and out—don’t be shy!
- Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: The backbone of that creamy, dreamy filling—softened for easy mixing.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, helping hold the filling together with gooey goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Lends a sharp, nutty edge that really wakes up the spinach mixture.
- Garlic (fresh): For punchy flavor that infuses every bite of the filling.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but perfect for a tiny spark of heat if you love a kick!
How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything’s ready when your chicken goes in. In a small bowl, combine your garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper—having your seasoning mix ready ensures you won’t miss a beat when things start moving fast.
Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets
Lay out the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket along the side of each. The goal is to open up a generous space for the filling, but take care not to slice all the way through—you want the chicken to act like a little envelope.
Step 3: Mix Up the Spinach Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and (if using) red pepper flakes. This luscious mixture is what makes Spinach Stuffed Chicken so incredibly tasty—make sure it’s well combined for even flavor in every forkful.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each chicken pocket, pressing it in gently to fill as much space as possible without overstuffing. Secure the open edges with toothpicks if you like; this helps keep any runaway filling safely tucked inside during cooking.
Step 5: Season and Sear
Rub the outside of each stuffed breast with olive oil and sprinkle all over with your prepared seasoning mix. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step locks in juices and gives your Spinach Stuffed Chicken a gorgeous, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer your skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This ensures every bite is juicy, safe to eat, and melting with cheesy spinach goodness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking—this gives those tasty juices a chance to redistribute, meaning every slice will be moist and flavorful. Remove the toothpicks, slice if desired, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs!
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing your Spinach Stuffed Chicken can turn a simple meal into a showstopper. Try a sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil for color, a little extra Parmesan for even more cheesy allure, or a few cherry tomato halves for contrast and freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish plays nicely with so many sides. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a simple arugula salad, or fluffy cauliflower rice for a light, low-carb meal. If you’re craving comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles make wonderfully cozy companions to your Spinach Stuffed Chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice the stuffed chicken on a bias and fan the pieces out on a platter so guests can see that vibrant filling. For a special occasion, serve individual chicken breasts atop a pool of herby sauce or drizzle with a balsamic reduction for an extra pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Spinach Stuffed Chicken as tasty as when it first comes out of the oven, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors stay bold, and the filling remains creamy even after chilling.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your Spinach Stuffed Chicken, freeze individual breasts (wrapped tightly in foil or plastic, then placed in a zip-top bag) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). This gentle reheating keeps the filling creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze excess water from the frozen spinach before mixing it into your filling so your Spinach Stuffed Chicken doesn’t turn out watery.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries—you can sear your stuffed chicken breasts in a regular skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish to finish in the oven. The result is equally delicious!
How do I keep the filling from oozing out?
Using toothpicks to secure the pocket works wonders, and avoid overstuffing the chicken. Letting the chicken rest after baking also helps the cheese set a bit, reducing escapees!
Can I add other ingredients to the spinach filling?
Go for it! Sun-dried tomatoes or crumbled bacon add a fantastic burst of flavor. Feel free to get creative with your favorite mix-ins for a personal spin on Spinach Stuffed Chicken.
Is this recipe gluten free and low carb?
Yes! Spinach Stuffed Chicken is naturally gluten free and perfect for low-carb diets, so it fits a wide variety of eating preferences without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a perfectly baked chicken breast filled with cheesy, garlicky spinach goodness. I can’t recommend this Spinach Stuffed Chicken enough—whether you make it for a weeknight, a special dinner, or meal prep, you’re in for something truly satisfying. Give it a try and let it earn a spot in your regular recipe lineup!
Print
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection. It’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Stuff the chicken: Fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Season the chicken: Rub olive oil on the outside of each stuffed chicken breast and sprinkle with the seasoning mix.
- Sear and bake: Sear the chicken in an oven-safe skillet, then bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) instead of fresh.
- For added flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or bacon to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
