This yummy spinach stuffed chicken breast is a winner! It has tender chicken wrapped around a creamy filling of spinach and cheese, making it delicious and delightful.
I love how simple it is to make. Just stuff, bake, and enjoy! It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a tasty meal after a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for stuffing. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs can work well too. Just cook them a bit longer as they tend to be thicker.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice texture, but thawed frozen spinach can be convenient. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water to avoid a watery filling!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead. They’ll give a different texture, but still taste amazing!
Cheeses: I love mozzarella for its meltiness, but you can substitute with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as well. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon.
How Do You Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts might seem tricky, but it’s all about making that pocket correctly. Here’s how you can do it easily:
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife.
- Hold the chicken steady and make a slit on one side, creating a deep pocket but not cutting all the way through.
- Fill the pocket with your spinach mixture, being careful not to overstuff it, which can cause it to spill out.
- If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep everything inside during cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Your chicken will be beautifully stuffed and cooked evenly every time! Enjoy creating this delightful dish!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. So in total, you can have these tasty stuffed chicken breasts ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until everything is combined and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side with a sharp knife. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you just want enough space to hold the stuffing!
4. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Fill each chicken breast with a generous amount of the spinach-cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff them, or the filling might spill out while cooking. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if you like, helping to keep the filling inside.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This will add wonderful flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now it’s time to bake! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through, and the juices run clear.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is important as it helps keep the juices inside. Then, serve your delicious spinach stuffed chicken warm and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery filling.
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Fully Cooked?
The best way to check if the chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken, and make sure the juices run clear without any pink meat remaining.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts earlier in the day, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Just allow a few extra minutes for cooking time if they go in the oven straight from the fridge.
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve With Stuffed Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Try serving it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Pasta or rice can also be great options to soak up any extra sauce.
