This easy spinach stuffed chicken breast is packed with yummy, creamy goodness. The chicken is juicy, and the spinach filling gives it a colorful pop. Perfect for dinner!
You can impress your family with this dish without breaking a sweat! I love serving it with some rice or a salad on the side—so fresh and tasty! 🍗🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are key for easy stuffing and cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chicken thighs. They’re juicy and more flavorful!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but if you can only find frozen, that’s okay too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it really well. You could also substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist!
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the filling creamy. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream as a substitute for a similar texture.
Cheese: I use mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy taste. Instead, you can use cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. Just think about what flavors you enjoy!
How Do I Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken can be tricky if you’ve never done it before, but don’t worry! The key is to make a pocket without cutting through completely. Here’s how:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice into the thick part of the chicken breast. Aim for the middle and go about 3/4 of the way through.
- Once you have your pocket, take your filling and spoon it in gently. Make sure it’s packed but not overflowing.
- To keep everything inside while cooking, secure the opening with toothpicks or some string.
Take your time to make it neat, and remember, if it spills out a little, it’s still going to be delicious!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook, including baking time. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready when you’re finished prepping the chicken!
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit through the thick part of the breast to form a pocket. Be gentle and avoid cutting all the way through—just enough to create space for the filling!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Grab the creamy spinach filling and stuff each chicken breast with about 3-4 tablespoons of the mixture. Make sure it’s packed nicely inside, but not overflowing. Seal the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the tasty filling from escaping.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In an ovenproof skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. While that heats up, season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts, searing them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to be sure!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After taking the chicken out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine before slicing the chicken. Serve it warm, and enjoy your delicious spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
This dish goes great with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
FAQ About Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery filling. A cup of thawed spinach should work perfectly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese. You can also use plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan for a completely dairy-free option.
What Sides Pair Well with This Recipe?
Spinach stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread. You could also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the flavors!
