This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a tasty and healthy dish that’s easy to make! Juicy chicken is filled with bright spinach and creamy cheese for a delicious flavor.
I love serving it with some warm bread or a fresh salad. It makes dinner feel special without much fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cheesy surprise? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. They cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor or even turkey breasts for a lighter option.
Spinach: You can use fresh spinach for that bright taste, but if you’re short on time, frozen spinach works well too. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture after thawing it.
Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan provide flavor. If you’re watching calories, low-fat cream cheese is a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a handy substitute if you’re in a pinch. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for its taste. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted butter if you want a different flavor profile.
How Do You Prepare Chicken for Stuffing Without Making a Mess?
Creating a pocket in your chicken breasts can be tricky, but it’s essential for stuffing. Here’s a simple method to make it easier:
- Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal cut in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Carefully move the knife back and forth inside to create a pocket, being cautious not to cut through the sides.
- This method gives you enough space to hold the delicious filling without leaking.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Through?
To guarantee your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. Here’s what to do:
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the stuffing.
- Look for a temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
- Let it rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
With these tips, you’re set to make a delicious Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a tasty 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 your chicken is ready to go in!
2. Making the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. This will be the tasty filling!
3. Preparing the Chicken:
Carefully take each chicken breast and slice it on the side to create a pocket. Be gentle and make sure you don’t cut all the way through the chicken—just enough to create a space for the filling.
4. Stuffing the Chicken:
Now, take your spinach and cheese mixture and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket. If you need to, you can use toothpicks to secure the opening so the filling stays inside while cooking.
5. Searing the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a pretty golden brown. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor!
6. Adding Tomato:
Once your chicken is golden, place a few slices of tomato on top of each stuffed chicken breast. This adds a nice freshness to the dish.
7. Baking the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want it to be juicy and safe to eat!
8. Resting the Chicken:
After baking, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy and delicious!
9. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top of your stuffed chicken breasts for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the cheeses. This ensures that the filling doesn’t become watery.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffed Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option, but be careful not to overcook it.
Can I Use Other Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to keep a similar amount to maintain the creamy filling consistency.
