This easy spinach stuffed chicken breast is a tasty and healthy dish! Tender chicken is filled with creamy spinach and cheese, making every bite a delight.
It’s like a little surprise party inside the chicken! I love how quick it is to make—just stuff, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or just treating myself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work perfectly because they’re easy to stuff. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, you can use turkey breasts instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach can be used—just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling, but you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan create a nice cheesy filling. Feel free to swap with other cheeses like feta for a burst of flavor or cheddar for a sharper taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor, but you can use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand—about 1/4 teaspoon should do.
How Do I Cut Chicken for Stuffing Without Making a Mess?
Cutting a pocket in chicken breasts sounds tricky, but I’ve got some tips to make it easier. Aim for a clean cut along the side, creating a pocket without slicing all the way through.
- Use a sharp knife for precision. A chef’s knife works best.
- Hold the chicken breast steady with one hand while you gently slice with the other.
- Start by making a small cut and check the thickness of the chicken; you can always cut deeper if needed.
This technique ensures you’ll have enough space to stuff in the delicious spinach and cheese mixture without tearing the chicken apart. Happy stuffing!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend about 40 minutes to have this delightful meal on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready for your stuffed chicken as soon as you’re done prepping!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side. Be sure not to cut all the way through—just enough to make space for the filling. This excited little pocket is going to hold all that delicious goodness!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, take your spinach and cheese mixture and stuff it generously into each pocket of the chicken breasts. If they need a little help staying closed, you can use toothpicks to secure them. Your chicken is going to look so good!
5. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts, then sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This adds so much flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Place your stuffed chicken in a baking dish and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices can settle. Then, slice and serve! Enjoy your delicious spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they’re fully thawed before starting. Thaw chicken safely by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method—just submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for a couple of hours!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach and cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to stuff the chicken. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through; you might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
What Can I Serve with Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs wonderfully with side dishes like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes. You could also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up those delicious flavors!
