Description
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.
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
Instructions
- Make the Spinach Filling: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- 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: 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.
- 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.
- Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies depending on cheese and oil used
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies depending on cheese and chicken used
