Description
These cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. They make a flavorful and wholesome meal, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
- Mix the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan until well combined.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Season the outside of the chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and chili flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen spinach by thawing and squeezing out excess moisture.
- Do not overcook to keep chicken moist; use a thermometer to check doneness.
- Stuffed chicken can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
- Searing before baking enhances flavor and locks in juices, but can be skipped if needed.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
