Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe That Wows Tonight

Crafting a delightful spinach stuffed chicken breast feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

My kitchen often transforms into a playground of flavors when experimenting with this dish.

Tender chicken becomes a canvas for vibrant green spinach and creamy cheese filling.

Nutritious ingredients merge to create something truly spectacular on your dinner plate.

Herbs and spices dance together, promising a meal that delights both eyes and palate.

Weeknight dinners need not be boring when such simple yet impressive recipes exist.

You will love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal kitchen skills required.

Prepare to impress everyone around your table with this restaurant-worthy creation.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with cream cheese and mozzarella.

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

You can use kitchen twine or carefully tuck the stuffed sides under the chicken breast to keep the filling inside during cooking.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

  • Is there a way to prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the pocket carefully and avoid overstuffing the chicken breast to minimize cheese leakage during cooking.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast That Impresses

  • Quickly Master a Gourmet Dish: This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
  • Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, this dish delivers a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping cheeses, adding herbs, or incorporating different seasonings to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners or small gatherings, this stuffed chicken breast creates a delicious centerpiece that appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients For Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides the base for this delicious stuffed dish.
  • Spinach: A nutrient-rich leafy green that adds flavor and nutrition to the stuffing.
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that helps bind the stuffing and adds richness.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that provides a gooey texture to the stuffing.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: Ingredients that add depth of flavor and help cook the spinach and chicken.
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffed chicken breasts and keep the filling inside during cooking.

Step-By-Step Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

This sets the stage for perfectly baked chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Creamy Spinach Filling

Grab a pan and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in minced garlic and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach becomes soft and silky.

Stir in:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Mix everything until it becomes a dreamy, creamy blend that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast.

Sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Ensure the seasoning covers every inch of the chicken for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 4: Stuff and Seal

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture.

Use toothpicks to seal the opening and keep all that delicious filling inside.

Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection

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

Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan.

Sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, creating a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Bake Until Fully Cooked

Transfer the seared chicken to the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.

Remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Tips For Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Create a clean, deep cut without slicing through the entire breast to ensure maximum stuffing capacity.
  • Mix cream cheese and mozzarella evenly for a creamy, stretchy filling that won't become too runny during baking.
  • Brown the chicken in a hot skillet before baking to lock in moisture and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving and gently pat the chicken with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Variations For Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream cheese with goat cheese and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for coating, keeping the protein high and carbohydrates low.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese and mozzarella with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based filling that maintains creamy texture.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese to the spinach mixture, then garnish with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free seasonings to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Ideas For Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Gourmet Plating Paradise: Arrange the golden-brown chicken breasts on a pristine white plate, letting the vibrant green spinach filling peek through the cut.
  • Flavor Companion Delight: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad to complement the creamy, cheesy chicken.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Enhance the meal with a crisp chardonnay or a light pinot grigio that balances the rich, cheesy spinach filling perfectly.
  • Fresh Finish Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add color and a subtle kick to the dish.

How To Store Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Warm chicken on a microwave-safe plate at 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and ensure even heating.
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Savory spinach stuffed chicken breast delivers a delightful fusion of tender chicken and creamy spinach filling. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a wholesome, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 46 toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
  2. In a skillet, gently wilt the spinach with minced garlic using olive oil until leaves become tender and release moisture.
  3. Blend the wilted spinach with cream cheese and mozzarella, creating a smooth, creamy filling with vibrant green color.
  4. Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut completely through the meat.
  5. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
  6. Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the created pockets, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Secure the filled chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
  8. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature and sear chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  9. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove toothpicks before serving the golden, cheese-filled chicken breasts hot from the oven.

Notes

  • Prevent overcrowding the skillet when searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and avoid steaming the chicken.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
  • For a lower-carb option, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to reduce fat and add protein.
  • Experiment with alternative herbs like basil or thyme in the spinach mixture to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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