Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then seasoned and baked to perfection. It’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal with a healthy twist.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well blended.
3. Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast pocket evenly with the spinach and cheese mixture, pressing gently to fill.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the salt. Brush this mixture over each stuffed chicken breast.
5. Step 5: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking dish or sheet. Sprinkle the remaining salt evenly over the chicken.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the filling is hot and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon to the filling mixture.
• If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen chopped spinach can be used—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
• To keep the chicken extra juicy, you can marinate it briefly in the oil and seasonings before stuffing.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easier on busy days.

What can I serve with spinach stuffed chicken breasts?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad to complement the creamy filling.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.7 from 131 reviews

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spices. The chicken is seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then sautéed in olive oil until golden and cooked through. This dish offers a flavorful and nutritious combination perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Spinach Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Begin by preparing each chicken breast for stuffing. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Make the spinach filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a creamy filling.
3. Stuff the chicken breasts: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with paprika, half of the salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then spoon an equal amount of the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, pressing to evenly distribute the filling inside.
4. Sear the chicken breasts: Heat the olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.
5. Finish cooking: After searing, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the chicken to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure the filling is heated through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before using.
• For an extra cheesy touch, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the filling mixture.
• If preferred, bake the stuffed chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of skillet cooking.
• Make sure to not overfill the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Keywords: spinach stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, creamy spinach chicken, healthy chicken recipes, low fat chicken recipes