Why Make This Recipe
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and healthy meal that combines protein with the goodness of spinach and cheese. This recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. With each bite, you get a taste of creamy cheese mingled with the earthy flavor of spinach. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens for those who might not love vegetables!
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 cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, spinach, garlic, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cut a slit in the side of each chicken breast about 3/4 of the way through.
- Rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts, then divide and rub the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Stuff the spinach and cheese filling into the pockets of each chicken breast.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a large baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast can be served with a variety of side dishes. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some rice. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the chicken for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Store Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Be careful not to overstuff the chicken, as it may burst during cooking.
- You can use fresh spinach or even frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen kind before using it.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for a different flavor profile.
Variation
For a twist, try using different cheeses such as feta or adding herbs like basil or oregano to the filling. You can also spice it up with some chopped jalapeños or switch the chicken for turkey breasts.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breast, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
2. What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
3. Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Just make sure to grill it over medium heat and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For the stuffing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped Fresh or thawed and drained if frozen
- 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
For the seasoning
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil For rubbing on chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, spinach, garlic, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cut a slit in the side of each chicken breast about 3/4 of the way through.
- Rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts, then divide and rub the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Stuff the spinach and cheese filling into the pockets of each chicken breast.
Cooking
- Place the stuffed chicken in a large baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.