Name: Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you love recipes that taste as impressive as they look, you’re about to fall for this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. Tender, juicy chicken with a golden crust hugs a dreamy trio of spinach, creamy cheeses, and savory seasonings. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet so elegant, you’ll want to share it with everyone—this dish turns classic chicken into a show-stopping centerpiece packed with flavor and plenty of love.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is key for this recipe. Each one plays a special role, from ensuring juicy chicken to delivering that melt-in-your-mouth cheesy spinach filling. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you don’t want to skip a thing!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless and thick enough for stuffing, they become tender and juicy in the oven.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps your seasoning stick, plus brings out the golden color.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the wonderful natural flavors in each bite.
Black Pepper: A little warmth and bite for the chicken and creamy filling.
Garlic Powder: Brings subtle garlicky depth to every forkful.
Paprika: Rounds things out with a mild, smoky sweetness plus a gorgeous color.
Cream Cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it makes the stuffing extra creamy and luscious.
Fresh Spinach: Chopped for even distribution, it gives wonderful color and a fresh, earthy lift.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Brings that irresistible cheesy stretch and mild flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty kick that makes the spinach mixture truly sing.

How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by making the magic that goes inside each chicken breast. In a small bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese, the chopped fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan. Give it all a good stir until the cheeses are evenly incorporated and the spinach is flecked throughout—a creamy, colorful mixture that’s hard not to sneak a taste of!

Step 2: Cut the Chicken Pockets

Grab your chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each one. Move slowly and don’t cut all the way through—you want a nice deep pocket for that generous filling, but you don’t want the stuffing to escape. It’s okay if they aren’t perfect; your secret is safe here!

Step 3: Stuff with Spinach Mixture

Fill each pocket with a quarter of your spinach and cheese filling. Press it in gently with a spoon; it’s fine if a bit of filling peeks out. For extra insurance, secure the opening with toothpicks. This ensures that every bite of Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is loaded with that rich, savory stuffing.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Now, get ready to add even more flavor! Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, which helps the outside crisp up beautifully. Then sprinkle over the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This spice blend gives your chicken irresistible color and seasoning from edge to edge.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your beautifully stuffed and seasoned chicken into a baking dish. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The result: juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with bubbling cheese and a vibrant green spinach center. Don’t forget to remove those toothpicks before serving!

How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a crack of fresh black pepper, or a scattering of fresh chopped parsley just before serving. These little touches make your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast look as good as it tastes—plus, they add extra flavor and color that will make everyone at the table smile.

Side Dishes

This dish plays well with so many sides. Serve alongside roasted vegetables like crispy carrots or asparagus, or pair with a bright mixed green salad for something lighter. Creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or even a simple rice pilaf will make your baked chicken a true crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast on the diagonal and fan out the pieces on a platter so everyone sees the gorgeous filling inside. For extra wow factor, lay each chicken piece on top of a swoosh of pesto or a bed of sautéed spinach. Individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets also make for fun, elegant presentations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The filling stays creamy and the chicken remains tender—just what you want for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast actually freezes quite well. Once baked and cooled, wrap each stuffed breast tightly in foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and melts the cheese to perfection. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can dry things out, so cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it with the cheeses. This will prevent the filling from getting watery and help the flavors really shine.

What if I don’t have toothpicks to secure the chicken?

No toothpicks? No problem. You can gently press the edges closed and place the chicken seam-side down in your baking dish. The filling might ooze a bit, but those crispy cheesy edges are a delicious bonus!

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast—when it reads 165°F (74°C), your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is ready to come out of the oven. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to make sure the juices run clear and the meat is opaque.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. The filling will still be packed with flavor, making this recipe easy to adapt for any diet.

What’s the best way to prepare ahead for entertaining?

You can assemble your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate the prepped, unbaked chicken, then take it out about 20 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Final Thoughts

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is that rare dish that looks like it was made by a chef but comes together simply in your own kitchen. I hope you give it a try—because once you do, it just might become one of your go-to favorite recipes. Share it with friends, serve it up for family, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful and elegant dish with this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Stuffing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Prepare Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Stuff with spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks. Rub with olive oil and season.
Bake: Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.