Description
Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a delicious main-course dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cheese, and aromatics. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknights, offering a satisfying balance of lean protein and greens in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Spinach Stuffing
- 2 cups 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
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit along the side of each breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make the Spinach Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Stuff the Chicken: Evenly spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket, gently pressing to fill. Secure openings with toothpicks to hold the stuffing in place.
- Season: Rub the outside of each stuffed breast with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
- Substitute feta or ricotta for a different cheese flavor.
- Chicken is cooked through when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
