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Spinach Stuffed Chicken

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Spinach Stuffed Chicken is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach mixture, then baked until juicy and golden. It’s elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

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Why This Recipe Works

Spinach Stuffed Chicken succeeds because of balance:

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  • Lean chicken provides structure

  • Creamy filling keeps everything moist

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  • Spinach adds freshness and color

  • Simple seasoning enhances, not overwhelms

The result is a juicy chicken breast with rich flavor in every bite.

Ingredients Overview

Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Olive oil

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Garlic powder

  • Paprika

Spinach Filling

  • Fresh spinach (or frozen, well-drained)

  • Cream cheese, softened

  • Grated Parmesan or mozzarella

  • Garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper

Optional Add-Ins

  • Sun-dried tomatoes

  • Red pepper flakes

  • Italian seasoning

Choosing the Right Chicken Breasts

Look for chicken breasts that are:

  • Similar in size for even cooking

  • Thick enough to cut a pocket

  • Fresh, not overly thin

If breasts are large, you can cut them in half horizontally.

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

  1. Sauté spinach in a pan until wilted.

  2. Let cool slightly and squeeze out excess moisture.

  3. Mix spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.

The filling should be creamy, not watery.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast (do not cut all the way through).

  3. Season chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

  • Spoon spinach mixture into each pocket.

  • Secure with toothpicks if needed.

  • Avoid overfilling to prevent leaking.

Step 4: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet.

  2. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

This step adds color and flavor but can be skipped if short on time.

Step 5: Bake Until Juicy

  • Transfer skillet to oven or place chicken in a baking dish.

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Stuffed Chicken pairs beautifully with:

  • Roasted potatoes

  • Rice or quinoa

  • Garlic green beans

  • Simple side salad

Variations & Customizations

Mediterranean Style

  • Add feta cheese

  • Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes

Low-Carb / Keto

  • Use full-fat cream cheese

  • Serve with roasted veggies

Extra Cheesy

  • Add shredded mozzarella or provolone

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days

  • Reheat gently in the oven or microwave

  • Avoid overheating to keep chicken juicy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overstuffing the chicken

  • Skipping moisture removal from spinach

  • Overbaking

  • Cutting into chicken too soon

Why This Dish Is a Favorite

Spinach Stuffed Chicken is comforting without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and elegant without being fussy. It’s one of those recipes that works for nearly any occasion.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dependable, delicious dinner that feels a little fancy but doesn’t take hours, Spinach Stuffed Chicken is the answer. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Yield: 4

Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful, protein-packed main dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Spinach Filling
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Chicken
    Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Make the Filling
    In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, spinach, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Stuff the Chicken
    Spoon filling evenly into each chicken breast. Secure openings with toothpicks if needed.
  5. Bake
    Place chicken in the prepared dish and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest & Serve
    Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Golden Finish: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a lightly browned top.
  • Add Flavor: Mix sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon bits into the filling.

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