Best Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts are the perfect dish to impress family or guests while still being simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. These juicy chicken breasts are filled with a rich and creamy spinach filling, seasoned to perfection, and baked to golden, bubbly goodness. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with protein and a healthy dose of greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Elegant: A dish that looks gourmet but is straightforward to prepare.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: Combines lean protein with nutrient-packed spinach.
3. Customizable: Adjust the filling ingredients to suit your taste.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts:
   • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
   • Use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, including inside the pockets.

Step 2: Make the Spinach Filling

1. Sauté the Spinach:
   • Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil.
   • Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Mix the Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Fill the Pockets:
   • Divide the spinach mixture into four portions.
   • Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach filling.
2. Secure the Filling:
   • Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the opening and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Preheat the Skillet:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the chicken is searing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish.
3. Bake:
   • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove Toothpicks/Twine:
   • Carefully remove any toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.
2. Add Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Use Even-Sized Chicken Breasts: Ensures even cooking.
2. Don’t Overstuff: Overfilling the chicken can make it harder to seal and cause filling to leak out.
3. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Variations

1. Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken: Add shredded cheddar or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
2. Mediterranean Twist: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and olives with the filling.
3. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
4. Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Sauces: Drizzle with a creamy garlic sauce or marinara for added flavor.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Conclusion

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts are a perfect combination of healthy, hearty, and indulgent. The creamy spinach filling pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken, making this dish a standout on any table.

Yield: 4

Best Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

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Spinach stuffed chicken breasts are the perfect dish to impress family or guests while still being simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. These juicy chicken breasts are filled with a rich and creamy spinach filling, seasoned to perfection, and baked to golden, bubbly goodness. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with protein and a healthy dose of greens.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Spinach Filling
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

2. Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff the Chicken

1. Fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach filling. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.

4. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.

5. Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Even Cooking: Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.

Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

Pan Substitution: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Extra Filling: Use leftover filling as a dip or spread!