This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts dish is a winner! Juicy chicken is filled with creamy spinach and cheese, making each bite tasty and satisfying.
Trust me, this dish looks fancy but is super simple to make. I love pairing it with a nice salad for dinner—it’s like a little restaurant experience at home! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you need a different option, you can use thighs—just adjust cooking time since they can take longer to cook through.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred for its bright color and flavor. If you only have frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing it into the filling.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese alternative. It changes the taste slightly, but it’s a nice substitute.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan give great flavor. If you’re not a fan of these, you can use cheddar or even feta for a different twist!
How Do You Avoid a Dry Chicken Breast?
A common issue with chicken breasts is that they can become dry if overcooked. Here are a few tips to keep them juicy:
- Always preheat your oven and ensure your skillet is hot before searing.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C)—use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more flavorful.
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, so in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken!
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until it’s nice and well-blended. It should be creamy and delicious!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side. Just be sure not to cut all the way through—this is where you’ll stuff the delicious filling!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, filling them generously. You want that cheesy goodness in every bite!
5. Secure the Chicken:
Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close up the openings where the filling is. This will keep everything inside while it cooks.
6. Season:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning (if you’re using it) over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts. This adds flavor!
7. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
8. Bake:
Once seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Rest and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Don’t forget to take out the toothpicks or twine! Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, delicious spinach stuffed chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This will help maintain the right consistency!
What Should I Serve With Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a nutritious and colorful meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts earlier in the day and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
