Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a delectable spinach stuffed chicken breast brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals deserve something special that feels gourmet yet remains simple to prepare.

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

Rich flavors blend perfectly with each carefully rolled slice of poultry.

Nutritious ingredients combine to create a dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Succulent and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

You will love how quickly this meal comes together with just a few strategic ingredients.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: Savory and Wholesome

  • Craft Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that delivers maximum satisfaction in every single bite.
  • Simplify Dinner Prep: No complicated techniques required – just mix, layer, and bake for a delicious meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Family Feast Champion: Loaded with kid-friendly ingredients like chicken, cheese, and tortilla chips that appeal to all ages, making mealtime a stress-free celebration.
  • Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Utilizes common ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, reducing grocery shopping stress and allowing spontaneous meal creation.

What Goes Into Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the base for this stuffed recipe.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the filling.
For the Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Mozzarella: Creamy cheeses that provide rich texture and tangy flavor to the stuffing.
For the Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.

Stepwise Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the chicken.

Step 2: Create Creamy Spinach Filling

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

Mix until all ingredients are well combined and create a smooth, rich filling.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, creating a space for the spinach mixture. Be gentle to keep the chicken intact.

Step 4: Stuff The Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture, ensuring it’s packed tightly and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal.

Slice and serve hot.

Top Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Tips

  • Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in the stuffing.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness by gently pounding them before cutting the pocket to promote even cooking.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer for food safety without overcooking.
  • Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter, lower-fat version of the stuffing.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the spinach mixture's depth of flavor.

Variations for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Fans

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the spinach mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Bacon Boost: Incorporate crispy chopped bacon bits into the spinach filling and sprinkle additional bacon pieces on top before baking for extra savory crunch.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Mix fresh chopped dill, chives, and parsley into the cream cheese filling, creating a bright and aromatic herb-infused chicken breast experience.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and a dash of chili powder to the spinach mixture, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Plating Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Creatively

  • Rustic Mediterranean Platter: Slice the stuffed chicken and arrange on a wooden board with olives, roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with herb-infused olive oil for a restaurant-style presentation that feels elegant and inviting.
  • Romantic Dinner Date Styling: Plate the chicken breast alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge to create a sophisticated meal perfect for an intimate evening.
  • Healthy Meal Prep Solution: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking and store in portioned containers with quinoa and steamed vegetables. This makes a protein-packed lunch option that's easy to grab and nutritionally balanced.
  • Low-Carb Salad Topper: Slice the chicken thinly and place over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.

Storing Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast for Later

  • Store stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date and contents.
  • Transfer frozen chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours before reheating. Never thaw at room temperature to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.
  • Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, squeezing out excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients to prevent a watery filling.

  • 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.

  • What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure each piece reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by checking with a meat thermometer.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, which can help the flavors meld together.

Print
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Rich and creamy spinach stuffed chicken breast brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Juicy chicken breasts filled with herbed spinach and cheese offer a simple yet elegant meal that satisfies hungry families.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 cups spinach (fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
  2. Combine fresh spinach leaves with creamy cheese varieties, minced garlic, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and flavorful filling.
  3. Carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, creating a spacious cavity for the luscious spinach mixture.
  4. Gently stuff the prepared chicken breasts with the cheese and spinach blend, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior.
  6. Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, positioning the pieces to allow even heat circulation.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee thorough cooking.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for a brighter, more vibrant flavor and better texture compared to frozen spinach.
  • Butterfly the chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture.
  • Try additional herbs like basil or thyme to customize the stuffing and add extra depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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