This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is a wonderful dish full of flavor! Juicy chicken is stuffed with creamy spinach and cheese, making each bite deliciously cheesy.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while this bakes. I love serving it with a side of rice or a simple salad. It’s an easy way to impress family or friends with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using turkey breasts or even pork chops. They can be stuffed in the same way!
Fresh Spinach: Fresh is best for flavor, but frozen spinach works too. Just make sure to drain it well after thawing to remove excess water.
Cream Cheese: This keeps the filling creamy. You can substitute with ricotta cheese for a lighter option or cottage cheese if you prefer. They both give a nice texture.
Cheeses: For mozzarella, you can use provolone or cheddar if you want a different cheese vibe. Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Creating the perfect stuffed chicken is all about getting the filling inside without making a mess. Start by carefully slicing into the chicken but not cutting all the way through. This keeps all that delicious filling inside!
- Use a sharp knife and slice horizontally into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Be generous with the stuffing but don’t overstuff; it might break open.
- After stuffing, secure the pockets with toothpicks if needed to hold everything in place.
Remember to sear the chicken to lock in moisture and enhance the flavor before baking! Happy cooking!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 25 minutes to cook. So, in roughly 35 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important so your chicken can bake perfectly while you prepare the stuffing.
2. Make the Spinach Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well blended and creamy. This filling is going to make your chicken taste amazing!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Now, take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each breast—make sure not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Generously fill each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy with the filling! If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep everything inside while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. This helps lock in the flavors!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Don’t forget to remove any toothpicks before serving!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts! This dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a lovely dinner at home.
FAQ for Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This will prevent the stuffing from being too watery.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Both will give a creamy texture to the filling!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Enjoy them as a quick lunch or snack!
