Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a healthy and flavorful dish that takes your average chicken breast to the next level. Filled with a creamy, garlicky spinach mixture and baked to perfection, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-packed meal with plenty of vegetables. The combination of tender chicken and rich, savory stuffing makes this dish both comforting and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a deliciously easy meal that’s full of flavor and texture. The creamy spinach filling adds moisture and richness to the chicken breast, keeping it juicy and tender. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests at a dinner party. Plus, it’s gluten-free and low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary preferences!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and extra flavor)

For the Spinach Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Make the Spinach Filling:

1. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (if using frozen spinach, just heat it through). Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and stir to combine.

3. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool for a few minutes. Then, in a medium bowl, combine the spinach with the cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
6. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
7. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach filling, securing the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside while cooking.

Cook the Chicken:
8. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
10. Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.

Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is 10-15 minutes, and cook time is about 25 minutes, so the total time is around 40 minutes.

Variations
I like to:

• Add a few spoonfuls of ricotta cheese to the spinach mixture for extra creaminess.

• Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the spinach filling for added flavor.

• Top the chicken with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving for an added touch.

Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover spinach stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cook them through when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent the filling from being too watery.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute the Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives, such as nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a flavorful, nutritious meal. The creamy spinach filling adds richness to the tender chicken, and the dish is easy to make while looking impressive on your dinner table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!