Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: A Flavorful Twist

Stuffing tender chicken breast with spinach creates a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Crisp, fresh ingredients burst with flavor in this simple yet elegant dish.

Lean protein meets vibrant greens for a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a harmony of textures and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate the chicken to something truly memorable.

Wondering how to impress without spending hours in the kitchen?

This recipe is your secret weapon.

Green Goodness in Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Burst with Flavor: Dive into a mouthwatering combination of creamy cheeses and tender spinach that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet delight.
  • Master Culinary Skills: Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their cooking game with a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal technical expertise.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your meal with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, creating a balanced and wholesome dinner that supports your health goals.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this delicious meal with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without complex preparation.

Ingredients for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main vessel for the delicious spinach filling.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Spinach: A nutrient-rich green vegetable that provides a vibrant color and earthy flavor to the chicken.
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy and smooth ingredient that helps bind the filling together.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A mild and stretchy cheese that adds richness and a gooey texture to the stuffing.
  • Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the spinach and preventing the chicken from sticking to the pan.
  • Toothpicks: Helpful tools for securing the stuffed chicken breasts and keeping the filling in place during cooking.

How to Cook Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

How to Cook Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for your delicious chicken.

Step 2: Transform the Chicken

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a butterfly-like shape.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Create the Spinach Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add spinach and cook until it becomes soft and wilted. Remove from heat and combine the cooked spinach with:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Minced garlic

Mix these ingredients until they form a creamy, vibrant filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

Generously fill each butterflied chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to seal the edges and keep the filling secure.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it’s completely cooked through and reaches a golden-brown color.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.

Pro Tips for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the most vibrant flavor and nutrient-packed filling.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before butterflying to ensure better seasoning and even cooking.
  • Drain excess liquid from sautéed spinach to prevent soggy chicken breasts.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety using a meat thermometer.
  • Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.

Flavor Variations for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap cream cheese for goat cheese, use more herbs like thyme and rosemary, and ensure all ingredients are high-fat and low-carb.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew cream cheese instead of traditional cream cheese, replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast, and add extra garlic for flavor intensity.
  • Vegetable Swap Option: Substitute spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different nutrient profiles and unique taste experiences.

Serving Suggestions for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Mediterranean Picnic Platter: Slice the stuffed chicken and arrange on a wooden board with olives, feta cheese, and crusty bread for a delightful outdoor meal experience.
  • Salad Topper Delight: Chop the baked chicken and sprinkle over a bed of fresh mixed greens, adding a zesty vinaigrette for a light and protein-packed lunch option.
  • Wine Pairing Dinner: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, complementing the creamy spinach and cheese filling with a refreshing touch.
  • Low-Carb Wrap Wonder: Shred the chicken and wrap in large lettuce leaves for a quick, carb-conscious meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.

Storing Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Refrigerate leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
  • Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to prevent drying out.
  • Label the container with the date of cooking to track storage time.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s protein-packed and includes nutrient-rich spinach. The chicken provides lean protein, while spinach offers iron, vitamins, and minerals. Using reduced-fat cream cheese can make it even healthier.

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess water before mixing with cheese. This works perfectly and saves preparation time.

  • What if I don't have toothpicks to secure the chicken?

No problem. You can use kitchen twine or carefully place the chicken seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent the filling from leaking.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent spinach stuffed chicken breast delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience with creamy cheese and tender chicken. Balanced flavors and simple preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you can enjoy with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups (475 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil

Seasonings:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment.
  2. Transform chicken breasts into butterfly-style cuts, creating a spacious pocket for the savory filling. Enhance flavor profiles with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper across the meat’s surface.
  3. Activate a skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil to create a silky cooking medium. Gently wilt the spinach until it collapses and releases its vibrant green essence, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
  4. Blend the wilted spinach with creamy cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and aromatic minced garlic, crafting a luxurious and harmonious filling mixture.
  5. Carefully distribute the verdant spinach amalgamation into the prepared chicken breast cavities, ensuring an even and generous distribution of the flavorful stuffing.
  6. Secure the filled chicken breasts using toothpicks, preventing the delectable filling from escaping during the cooking process.
  7. Arrange the prepared chicken breasts on a baking sheet, positioning them to receive uniform heat distribution in the preheated oven.
  8. Roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a perfect internal temperature and the exterior develops a golden, appetizing finish.
  9. Extract from the oven and allow a brief 5-minute resting period, permitting the juices to redistribute and intensify the overall flavor profile before serving.

Notes

  • Butterfly chicken breasts carefully to ensure even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents dry edges.
  • When sautéing spinach, squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery filling that could make the chicken soggy.
  • For a low-carb version, replace cream cheese with goat cheese or Greek yogurt for fewer calories and added protein.
  • To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like fresh basil or thyme to the spinach mixture, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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