This recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh spinach and creamy cheese. It’s an easy and tasty way to add some greens to your meal!
Cooking this dish feels like a little magic! I love how the cheese melts and makes everything so delicious. Pair it with rice or a salad for a complete dinner—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy while baking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also use turkey cutlets or chicken thighs for more flavor.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely vibrant color and taste. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the filling a rich texture. If you want a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cream cheese.
Shredded Mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully. If you’d like, you can substitute with shredded cheddar or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Safely Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can feel tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can do it safely and easily. First, make sure to use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the chicken without cutting all the way through.
- Lay the chicken breast flat and gently slice into the thicker side to create a pocket.
- Be careful not to puncture the sides, so the filling stays inside. You want enough space for the delicious filling!
- Once stuffed, secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the mixture from leaking out during cooking.
- Always wash your hands and utensils afterward to avoid any bacteria transfer from handling raw chicken.
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing the chicken
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have your delicious stuffed chicken ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks perfectly once it’s in the oven!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic. Stir well until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Cut the Chicken:
Taking a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure to cut it on the thicker side, but don’t go all the way through! You want to create a nice pocket for the filling.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy with the filling! Once stuffed, secure each pocket with toothpicks or tie them closed with kitchen twine to keep the filling from spilling out while cooking.
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts for added flavor. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a light and even coating!
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This adds a nice color and flavor!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check for doneness by ensuring the juices run clear!
8. Rest Before Serving:
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Don’t forget to remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious spinach stuffed chicken breasts! Serve them warm with your favorite sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen spinach for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before mixing it with the other filling ingredients, as excess moisture can make the filling too watery.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the chicken breasts in advance! Stuff them and secure them, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing and baking.
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Fully Cooked?
The best way to ensure that chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside when you cut into it.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffed Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you find the chicken is a bit dry, adding a splash of broth or water before reheating can help maintain moisture.
