This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts dish is packed with tasty spinach and gooey cheese, all wrapped in juicy chicken! It’s a simple and filling meal that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing. If you want an alternative, consider using thinly sliced turkey breasts or chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach offers a vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach works just as well. Just make sure to squeeze out extra moisture after thawing. I often prefer fresh for its texture.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the filling its rich and creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese is a great lower-fat option, or you could use ricotta for a slightly different flavor.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is perfect for melting. Substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different twist. Parmesan adds a nice sharp bite, but you can omit it if needed.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, but use less—about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do I Perfectly Stuff and Cook the Chicken?
The process of stuffing the chicken is key to this recipe! Make sure to cut pockets deep enough to hold the filling but be careful not to cut all the way through. This prevents leakage during cooking.
- Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each breast, then gently open it to make room for stuffing.
- After stuffing, gently press the sides of the chicken to help seal the pocket. You can secure it with toothpicks if needed.
- When searing, make sure your skillet is hot enough for a nice golden crust. This adds flavor!
- If you prefer, you can also bake the stuffed chicken without searing, just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Following these tips will help you make a delicious and impressive dish! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 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
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
It will take about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and stuff the chicken, followed by a cooking time of around 25 minutes in the oven. Total time will be approximately 35-40 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
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.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until well combined. This will be your flavorful stuffing!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pouch for the stuffing.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the spinach and cheese mixture and carefully fill each pocket in the chicken breasts. Gently press down to help seal the stuffing inside.
5. Season the Chicken:
Now, sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts. This adds great flavor!
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in, making each bite juicy and tender.
Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy your delicious and easy spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. Properly drained spinach ensures your filling doesn’t become soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese works well. For a different flavor and texture, you can also use ricotta cheese. Just keep in mind that ricotta will give the filling a slightly different taste but will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals, covering them to retain moisture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a day in advance! Just assemble them, cover, and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
