This easy spinach stuffed chicken breast is a tasty dish that’s both healthy and filling. It’s packed with creamy cheese and fresh spinach, all rolled up in juicy chicken!
Honestly, I love how colorful it looks on the plate. It feels fancy but is super simple to make. Serve it with rice or a salad to make a lovely meal. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this dish as they are tender and cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, though they may need slightly different cooking times.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works wonderfully for this recipe, but you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese keeps the filling creamy. If you need a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both will still create a deliciously creamy filling.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking to change it up, you could try goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist, or even cheddar for a sharper taste.
How Do I Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but here are some simple steps to make it easier:
- Use a sharp knife to create a pocket; don’t cut all the way through. Aim to keep it thick at the edges to hold in the filling.
- Lightly pack the filling in with a spoon or your fingers, but don’t overstuff, as the filling can ooze out as it cooks.
- Consider using toothpicks to secure the opening, which also helps while searing. Just remember to remove them before serving!
These tips will help you have picture-perfect stuffed chicken breasts every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to have a delicious meal ready on your table. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and be perfectly juicy.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Create the Chicken Pockets:
Take a sharp knife and carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through; you want to create a nice pouch to hold the filling.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Evenly fill each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or your fingers to stuff them. Secure the openings with toothpicks if you need to, to keep the filling inside while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the toothpicks, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice it if you’d like and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful, creamy stuffed chicken!
This dish pairs beautifully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
FAQs About Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will prevent your filling from becoming watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even mashed avocado. You can also use dairy-free cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan, if desired.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This dish is fantastic served with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread would also complement it nicely for a complete meal!
