Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe offers a delicious and healthy dinner option. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then seared to golden perfection and baked until tender. This dish is perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal packed with protein and flavorful cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Stuffing
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 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 (for sautéing spinach)
Others
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing stuffed chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Sauté spinach and garlic: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh baby spinach and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat and transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl, allowing it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture: To the cooled spinach, add cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a creamy stuffing.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket horizontally into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for flavor enhancement.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside while cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, forming a flavorful crust.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken breasts for 20–25 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine carefully before serving. Plate the stuffed chicken breasts and enjoy with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it to speed up meal prep.
- For variation, add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped artichokes to the stuffing mixture.
- Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or a light, fresh salad for a balanced meal.
