Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

When it comes to an elegant and comforting dish, Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a winner. This recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts stuffed with a decadent filling made of sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or treating yourself to a luxurious meal at home.

🧑‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed filling: The creamy spinach and mushroom mixture adds a savory, earthy flavor to the tender chicken.

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• Elegant but simple: Impress guests with a dish that looks fancy but is easy to prepare.

• One-pan cooking: Cook the chicken and filling in one pan for easy cleanup.

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• Perfect for meal prep: This recipe can be made in advance and reheated with ease.

• Low-carb and keto-friendly: Ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

🔪 Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice cavity to stuff the filling into.

2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Mushrooms

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until they begin to release their moisture and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

4. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes.

5. Season with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Once the spinach is wilted, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mushroom-spinach mixture to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella (if using).

2. Stir in the sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

3. Gently stuff each chicken breast with the creamy mushroom-spinach mixture. Be generous but careful not to overstuff, as the filling might spill out during cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to rest.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce.

2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream (if desired) to add richness.

3. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Place the rested stuffed chicken breasts onto serving plates.

2. Drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken.

3. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

4. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad.

🧂 Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

1. Add Bacon or Ham

• For an extra savory twist, add crispy bacon or diced ham to the mushroom-spinach filling. This will bring in some smoky and salty flavors that pair beautifully with the creamy filling.

2. Fresh Herbs

• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or tarragon in the stuffing. Fresh herbs add a burst of aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and spinach.

3. Use Different Cheese

• Swap the Parmesan or mozzarella with other cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, or Gruyère for a different taste. Goat cheese, in particular, pairs wonderfully with spinach and mushrooms.

4. Spice It Up

• If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the stuffing mix for an extra kick.

🥦 Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy and buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the rich chicken filling.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus are a great way to balance the richness of the stuffed chicken.

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice. It soaks up the delicious sauce and is a light alternative to regular rice.

• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.

🔁 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the chicken and sauce separately to keep the chicken from becoming soggy.

• To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat and cover it with a lid to retain moisture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the texture may vary.

Freezer:

• You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking. Simply stuff the chicken, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• When you’re ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before pan-searing and finishing with the sauce.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook than breasts.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! You can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove any excess water before adding it to the mushroom mixture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken and stuff it ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the chicken is cold from the fridge.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese options.

📝 Final Thoughts

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken is an indulgent, flavorful dish that combines the best of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and earthy mushrooms and spinach. It’s the perfect recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, or to impress guests at your next dinner party. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of room for customization, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.