Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is an ultimate healthy dinner option combining tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and flavorful garlic. Baked to perfection, it offers a delicious, gluten-free, and low-carb meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Toothpicks for sealing
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
- Prepare the filling: While still warm, stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese into the spinach mixture until well combined. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing completely through. This creates a cavity for the filling.
- Season the chicken: Season the outside of each chicken breast evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Spoon the prepared spinach and cheese filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the opening and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices locked in and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- You can prepare the spinach and cheese filling up to one day ahead to streamline cooking on the day you serve the dish.
- For a different flavor profile, swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
