Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a deliciously creamy and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich filling of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh spinach, creating a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, 1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425˚F and position a rack in the center. In a mixing bowl, mash together the cold cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic with a fork. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit about three-quarters of the way through each breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket evenly with one-third of the cheese and spinach mixture, then seal each with a toothpick so the chicken lays flat.
- Step 3: Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast evenly with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika, or adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Step 4: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in an ovenproof pan—such as a cast iron skillet—over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Step 5: Flip the chicken breasts again, then immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165˚F.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before slicing. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes or chopped artichokes into the cheese filling.
- Use fresh herbs such as basil or parsley in the stuffing mixture for a bright, aromatic touch.
- To avoid dry chicken, do not overcook; a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly juicy results.
- If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular pan then transfer it to a baking dish to finish baking.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through, being careful not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What can I serve with cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts?
They pair well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete, balanced meal.
PrintCheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy, boneless chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh spinach. The chicken is seasoned, seared to golden perfection on the stovetop, and finished in the oven to ensure a tender, flavorful meal perfect for a healthy dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, 1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)
- 3/4 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and filling: Preheat oven to 425˚F and position a rack in the center. In a mixing bowl, mash together cold cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic with a fork until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach leaves until fully combined.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Place chicken breasts on a flat surface and create a slit about 3/4 of the way through each breast, careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with roughly one-third of the cheese and spinach mixture. Secure the opening horizontally with a toothpick, ensuring the chicken breasts can lay flat evenly for searing.
- Season the chicken: Season the outside of each chicken breast evenly with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in an oven-proof skillet, such as a cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan, over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sauté for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake to finish cooking: After flipping the chicken a second time, transfer the skillet immediately to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165˚F.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest undisturbed for 5 minutes. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken when serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Using even-sized chicken breasts helps ensure they cook uniformly.
- Pressing the garlic intensifies the garlic flavor in the filling.
- Sealing the chicken with toothpicks helps prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Resting the chicken allows juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- For a low-fat variation, substitute cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese and reduce olive oil slightly.
- Ensure your skillet is oven-proof to safely transfer it from stovetop to oven.
Keywords: cheesy stuffed chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner
