Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts offer a delicious, creamy filling wrapped in tender, juicy chicken. This flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special yet comes together easily in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 3 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, 1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)
• 3/4 tsp salt (divided)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves (chopped)
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425˚F and position a rack in the center.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash together the cold cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic using a fork until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface and create a slit about 3/4 of the way through each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through to form a pocket.
4. Step 4: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with roughly one-third of the cheese and spinach mixture. Secure the opening with a toothpick so the breasts lay flat evenly for searing.
5. Step 5: Season the outside of each chicken breast evenly with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sauté for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Step 7: After flipping the chicken breasts a second time, transfer the skillet immediately to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165˚F.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest undisturbed for 5 minutes. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken when serving to enhance flavor and moisture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme in the filling to add a bright, aromatic touch.
• Swap out mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangier filling.
• Make sure the chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking; pound them gently if needed.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and cook within 24 hours for the best flavor and safety.

What can I serve with cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.4 from 87 reviews

This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and fresh spinach. The chicken is seared to develop a golden crust and then baked to juicy perfection, making for a flavorful and satisfying entree that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)
• 3/4 tsp salt (divided)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves (chopped)
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and filling: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center. In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash together cold cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic until smooth. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach leaves until fully combined, creating a creamy filling.
2. Stuff the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Carefully cut a slit lengthwise about 3/4 through each breast to create a pocket, taking care not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket evenly with roughly one-third of the cheese and spinach mixture. Secure each opening horizontally with a toothpick to keep the filling inside and help the chicken lie flat for cooking.
3. Season the chicken: Evenly season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with the 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, ensuring all sides are coated.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-proof skillet, such as a cast iron or heavy-bottom pan, over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sauté for approximately 4 minutes on each side to develop a golden brown crust, enhancing flavor and texture.
5. Bake to finish cooking: After searing both sides, flip the chicken a second time and immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute inside the meat for maximum moistness. When serving, spoon any pan juices over the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when creating pockets to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Using cold cream cheese helps achieve a thicker filling texture that holds well inside the chicken pockets.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop searing to oven baking without additional dishes.
• Resting the chicken after baking is crucial for juicy results.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cheesy stuffed chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast recipe, creamy chicken breast, healthy chicken dinner