Description
Delicious and creamy spinach stuffed chicken breasts baked to perfection with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and spices. This dish is an easy, elegant meal that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory filling perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with olive or avocado oil. In a small bowl, mix paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Set the chicken aside once the pockets are made.
- Make Spinach Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket, filling each one generously but without overstuffing.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the spinach filling.
- Make sure the chicken pockets are deep enough to hold plenty of filling but avoid cutting through completely.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked without drying out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free if you ensure mayonnaise and other ingredients have no gluten additives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
