Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is a flavorful and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with olive or avocado oil.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set the chicken aside.
5. Step 5: In another small mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
6. Step 6: Evenly spoon the spinach mixture into the pockets of each chicken breast.
7. Step 7: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and thyme to the filling.
• You can substitute frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the filling while keeping it creamy.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, to maintain the creamy filling and prevent dryness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easy and convenient.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

You can use ricotta cheese or a mixture of Greek yogurt and shredded cheese as a substitute for cream cheese, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

Delicious and creamy spinach stuffed chicken breasts baked to perfection with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Stuffing

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with olive or avocado oil to help the seasoning adhere and keep the meat moist during cooking.
3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to add flavor.
4. Create chicken pockets: Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast carefully, making space for the stuffing. Set the chicken aside once done.
5. Make the spinach stuffing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
6. Stuff the chicken breasts: Spoon the prepared spinach mixture evenly into the pockets of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well filled.
7. Bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.
• To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting the pockets.
• Feel free to add shredded mozzarella or other cheeses to the stuffing mixture for extra creaminess.
• For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese and mayonnaise.
• Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it is fully cooked.

Keywords: spinach stuffed chicken breasts, baked chicken breast recipe, creamy spinach chicken, easy dinner recipes, healthy chicken dishes