Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Quick & Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Tender chicken breasts become irresistible when stuffed with creamy spinach and melted cheese.

This easy spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Packed with nutritious greens and rich, savory notes, the dish promises a delightful meal that impresses at first bite.

Each forkful combines juicy chicken with a velvety spinach filling that melts in your mouth.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum taste and elegance.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this chicken will become a weeknight favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Flavor Fix

  • Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal that impresses family and guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Combine lean protein from chicken with iron-rich spinach and calcium-loaded cheeses for a nutritionally balanced dish that supports overall health.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping spinach with other greens, experimenting with different cheese blends, or adding herbs to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Quick Restaurant-Style Meal: Achieve professional-looking results in your home kitchen with simple searing and baking techniques that create a golden exterior and juicy interior.

What Goes Into Stuffed Chicken Breast

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the base for the stuffed recipe.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and flavor to the stuffing.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy cheeses that provide rich, melty texture and enhance the overall taste of the stuffing.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring depth and aromatic flavors to the chicken and stuffing.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to create a golden brown exterior.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Toothpicks: Helpful tool to secure the stuffing inside the chicken breast during cooking.

Easy Prep For Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F so it’s ready for the chicken’s grand finale.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Chopped spinach
  • Minced garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Pockets

Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being cautious not to cut completely through the meat.

This creates a perfect little nest for the delicious filling.

Step 4: Load With Cheesy Spinach

Generously stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture, ensuring an even distribution.

Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling tucked inside.

Step 5: Sear To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place chicken breasts into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Fully Cooked

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks and plate your chicken.

Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments for a mouthwatering meal.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Tips For Success

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before stuffing to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken, creating a deep pocket without piercing through.
  • Allow stuffed chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking so cheese sets and doesn't immediately run out when cut.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
  • Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that maintains creamy texture.

Fun Stuffing Ideas For Chicken Breasts

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt and use almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs for coating. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew cream cheese. Use plant-based milk for moisture and binding in the stuffing mixture.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh basil into the spinach stuffing. Swap olive oil with oregano-infused olive oil for a Greek-inspired profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Adjust cooking time and temperature to ensure proper texture and doneness for the alternative protein source.

Serving Spinach Chicken Breasts Elegantly

  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Pair this creamy, cheesy chicken with extra melted mozzarella sprinkled on top for ultimate indulgence.
  • Fresh Garden Companion: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the rich chicken.
  • Carb Perfect Match: Complement the dish with herbed quinoa, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious cheese and spinach filling.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Enhance the meal with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy texture.

Keeping Stuffed Chicken Moist And Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

  • Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then sear and bake when ready to serve.

  • What's the best way to prevent the stuffing from leaking out?

Make sure to cut the pocket carefully without piercing through the entire chicken breast. Secure the opening with toothpicks and avoid overstuffing to keep the filling inside.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spinach stuffed chicken breast brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Creamy feta and fresh spinach nestled inside juicy chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Seasoning and Cooking:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even heating environment for perfect chicken preparation.
  2. Create a creamy spinach filling by thoroughly blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  3. Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, keeping the sides intact to create a stable cavity for stuffing.
  4. Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach mixture, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor coverage.
  5. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
  6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior and locking in initial flavors.
  7. Transfer seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches the safe 165°F (75°C).
  8. Remove toothpicks carefully before serving and plate with complementary side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
  • Pat chicken dry before cutting pockets to prevent excess moisture and help seasoning adhere better.
  • For a lighter version, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to reduce fat content.
  • Gluten-free diners can replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile without dairy complications.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star