Name: Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; toothpicks for securing

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If you’re searching for a truly satisfying main course, Stuffed Chicken with Spinach is a winning pick that’s both impressive and incredibly approachable. Juicy chicken breasts cradle a creamy mixture of spinach, three cheeses, and a hint of aromatic Italian seasoning, all baked to golden perfection. The very first bite offers a flavorful combination of tender chicken and velvety spinach filling, delivering comfort and elegance all in one dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or spicing up a weeknight dinner, this recipe promises rave reviews and smiling faces—plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and absolutely packed with protein.

Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple, relying on everyday ingredients that each serve an important purpose in creating the delicious layers of flavor and texture for Stuffed Chicken with Spinach. Gather these key players, and you’ll be just steps away from a fantastic dinner.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts work best for easy stuffing and yield a tender, juicy result.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps cook the spinach, bringing a subtle richness to the final dish.
Fresh spinach: For a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition; the heart of the filling.
Cream cheese: Creates that dreamy, creamy stuffing base that melts smoothly inside the chicken.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey meltiness and mild flavor that really ties the filling together.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that takes the stuffing up a notch.
Garlic: Two cloves, freshly minced, impart bold, aromatic notes that infuse the filling.
Italian seasoning: Provides a fragrant blend of dried herbs for authentic, balanced flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the other flavors pop.
Toothpicks: Keep the stuffed chicken closed while it bakes, making sure none of the cheesy spinach escapes.

How to Make Stuffed Chicken with Spinach

Step 1: Sauté the Spinach

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Set a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and toss in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook the spinach for about two minutes until it’s beautifully wilted. Once it’s done, remove the pan from the heat and let the spinach cool slightly. This step keeps the filling from becoming too watery and ensures vibrant color in every bite.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed, then fold in the cooled spinach. The result is a rich, cheesy mixture dotted with bright green spinach—a perfect filling for your Stuffed Chicken with Spinach.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being sure not to slice all the way through. This pocket is where all that delicious filling will go, so make it as roomy as you can while keeping the breast intact.

Step 4: Stuff and Secure

Spoon a generous portion of the spinach-cheese mixture into each chicken breast, filling the pockets evenly. Use toothpicks to secure the open edges—this keeps all that creamy goodness inside while baking. Arrange your stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, spacing them out so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the Stuffed Chicken with Spinach bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want extra color and flavor, quickly sear the stuffed breasts in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side before baking. Let them rest for a few minutes out of the oven, then remove the toothpicks and serve.

How to Serve Stuffed Chicken with Spinach

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil livens up the plate and adds a touch of garden-fresh flavor. For an elegant touch, add a drizzle of good olive oil or a finishing dusting of Parmesan. Lemon wedges on the side make each bite pop with brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Stuffed Chicken with Spinach with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the rich filling. If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto make the meal extra comforting. Steamed rice or quinoa are light yet satisfying accompaniments as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice each chicken breast crosswise into medallions for a beautiful spiral effect that showcases the vivid spinach and cheese center. Arrange the slices over a bed of arugula or flavored couscous for a restaurant-style presentation. Or, serve whole with the filling oozing gently out for that “wow” moment at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Stuffed Chicken with Spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable (if not more so) the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the cooled stuffed chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain that moist, cheesy stuffing.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep the chicken from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch, but go low and slow so the cheesy filling stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the cheese mixture. This prevents the filling from becoming watery inside the Stuffed Chicken with Spinach.

What cheeses can I substitute in the stuffing?

Feel free to play around: fontina or provolone can add a unique twist, or use all mozzarella for extra meltiness. Just keep the overall ratio similar for the best creamy texture inside your Stuffed Chicken with Spinach.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Securing the chicken tightly with toothpicks helps, but take care not to overfill the pockets. A quick sear before baking also creates a slight seal and adds a flavorful crust that helps hold everything inside.

Can I prepare Stuffed Chicken with Spinach ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate, covered, for up to a day before baking. Bring them to room temperature while your oven preheats for even cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There are no bread crumbs or flour involved, making Stuffed Chicken with Spinach deliciously gluten-free and a safe choice for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

Give this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach a try the next time you crave something special yet fuss-free. With its bubbly, cheesy spinach filling and perfectly juicy chicken, it’s a dish that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this flavorful and cheesy Stuffed Chicken with Spinach recipe for a delightful meal. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil

Spinach Filling:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

toothpicks for securing

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Instructions

Preheat oven and cook spinach: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook spinach until wilted.
Prepare filling: Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cooked spinach and combine.
Stuff the chicken: Cut a pocket in each chicken breast, stuff with spinach mixture, and secure with toothpicks.
Bake: Place chicken in a baking dish, bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.