Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
