This easy spinach stuffed chicken breast is a winner! It’s juicy chicken filled with tasty spinach and cheese, making it perfect for a healthy dinner.
I love how simple it is to make—just stuff, bake, and enjoy! Plus, it looks fancy enough to impress anyone at the dinner table! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean and tender. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try substituting with turkey cutlets!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nice flavor and nutrients. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy consistency. You can swap in cottage cheese for a lighter option or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan take!
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan blend well. If you’re out, cheddar or feta can work too, bringing different flavors to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: While this mix is great, feel free to use individual herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme based on what you have at home.
How Do You Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken breasts can seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a sharp knife for a clean cut, creating a pocket without cutting completely through.
- Don’t overfill! You want to stuff them well but not so much that they burst while cooking.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or twine, which keeps all that delicious filling locked inside.
- When searing, don’t skip this step—it helps seal the juices and adds flavor!
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly stuffed chicken every time!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious and healthy stuffed chicken dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to heat up while you prepare the chicken, ensuring even cooking.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, take the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together well until everything is combined. It should be creamy and nicely blended!
3. Create Pockets in the Chicken:
Taking a sharp knife, carefully slice into one side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be gentle and avoid cutting all the way through the chicken. This will help hold the delicious filling inside.
4. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Using your hands or a spoon, stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff; just enough so that you can seal the pocket. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening and keep the filling from oozing out during cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. This locks in the flavor and helps create a nice crust!
6. Bake to Perfection:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), so feel free to check with a meat thermometer!
7. Let It Rest:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This extra time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Carefully take out the toothpicks or twine before serving.
8. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve the spinach stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes, like rice, salad, or roasted veggies. Enjoy the burst of flavors and impress your family and friends with this delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before starting the recipe! You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method: place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour, changing the water halfway through.
Can I Prepare These Chicken Breasts in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, follow the searing and baking instructions directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
What Should I Serve with Spinach Stuffed Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or pasta tossed in olive oil for a complete meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep it moist!
