Why Make This Recipe
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of spinach and cheese with tender chicken. It’s a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your dinner plate. Plus, it’s simple to make and perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. With its delicious filling and juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the spinach filling ingredients: softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the spices for the chicken seasoning: Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Carefully cut a slit in the side of each breast about 3/4 of the way through.
- Cover the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides and rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken.
- Stuff the spinach and cheese filling into the pockets of each chicken breast.
- Place the stuffed breasts in a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Serve this delicious spinach stuffed chicken breast hot, with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some fluffy rice. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or balsamic glaze on top for added flavor.
How to Store Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
To store leftovers, place the stuffed chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this helps the filling blend smoothly.
- If you want more spice, add a bit more red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can work too; just make sure it’s well-drained.
Variation
You can switch up the filling by adding different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy stuffing.
2. What can I pair with this dish?
It pairs well with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a quinoa salad.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, just bake it as instructed.
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Spinach Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure the cream cheese is softened for better mixing.
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes Add more for extra spice if desired.
Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.) Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil Use to coat the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the spinach filling ingredients: softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the spices for the chicken seasoning: Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Carefully cut a slit in the side of each breast about 3/4 of the way through.
- Cover the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides and rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken.
- Stuff the spinach and cheese filling into the pockets of each chicken breast.
- Place the stuffed breasts in a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cooking
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.