Juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling—this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach is a total flavor bomb! It’s the perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness and tender, perfectly seasoned chicken. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner or just want to shake up your usual chicken routine, trust me—this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Chicken with Spinach
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Incredibly Juicy: The stuffing keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Restaurant-Worthy: Looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and leafy greens.
- Customizable: Add different cheeses or spices to make it your own.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Ingredients in Stuffed Chicken with Spinach
This recipe keeps it simple with everyday ingredients that come together beautifully:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and thick enough to hold plenty of filling.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild, earthy flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The key to a rich and creamy filling.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: A melty, cheesy combo that adds extra flavor.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Simple seasonings that enhance the dish.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous golden color.
- Olive Oil: For that perfect sear and juicy texture.
- Salt & Pepper: Because every great dish needs balance.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering stuffed chicken:
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, chopped spinach, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Butterfly the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast, pressing the edges slightly to seal.
Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Sear for Flavor: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken with Spinach
This stuffed chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, or carrots.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the juices.
- Garlic Butter Rice: A simple yet flavorful side dish.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overstuff: A little filling goes a long way—too much can spill out while cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer—chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (75°C).
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
A1: Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Q2: What’s the best way to keep the filling from leaking out?
A2: Use toothpicks to secure the opening, or sear the chicken well before baking.
Q3: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: Can I substitute the cheese?
A4: Yes! Try feta, ricotta, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I freeze stuffed chicken?
A6: Yes! Freeze before cooking and bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
Q7: How do I reheat without drying out the chicken?
A7: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or in a covered pan on low heat.
Q8: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A8: Yes! Just make sure they’re thick enough to stuff.
Q9: What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
A9: Try sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or crispy bacon.
Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: Yes! Stuff the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Chicken with Spinach is an easy yet elegant meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Try it out, and don’t forget to load up on your favorite sides!
Print
Stuffed Chicken with Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Chicken with Spinach is a healthy, protein-packed dish perfect for quick dinner ideas. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and garlic, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy, high-protein recipe that’s both low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great choice for a healthy homemade dinner. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella (or feta), and garlic.
- Slice the chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice through.
- Stuff the chicken: Fill each pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Season the outside of the chicken with paprika, black pepper, salt, and onion powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear chicken for 2 minutes per side.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use toothpicks to keep the filling secure while cooking.
- Pair with roasted veggies, quinoa, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg