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Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a nutritious and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and versatile enough for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional spices: Paprika, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning (as preferred)
  • Olive oil for cooking (about 2 tablespoons)

Stuffing

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté fresh spinach and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until the spinach wilts and the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat, let cool slightly. Mix in softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until well combined and creamy.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Season both inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you prefer.
  3. Stuff the Chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet or chicken breasts to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the Spinach Stuffed Chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy. Remove toothpicks before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Pre-cook the spinach and squeeze out excess moisture to keep the stuffing creamy, not watery.
  • Use a sharp knife to easily cut the pocket without tearing the chicken.
  • Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts to avoid bursting or difficulty sealing.
  • Secure the pockets with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Allow chicken to rest after baking to ensure juiciness and filling stability.

Nutrition

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