Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Breast is a flavorful twist on a classic chicken recipe. It’s one of those dishes that seems fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
The combination of juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a rich, cheesy spinach filling creates a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.
This dish has roots in various culinary traditions, blending the idea of stuffed meats, which has been popular in Mediterranean, European, and American cuisines for centuries.
While many versions include heavier ingredients, using spinach and a mix of cheeses provides a healthier yet decadent alternative. It’s versatile enough to impress guests at a dinner party, while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
I’ve made Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Breast a few times, and every time I’m reminded why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. The way the creamy cheese melts into the spinach and creates a delicious contrast with the crispy seared chicken is irresistible.
Not to mention, it’s keto-friendly and packs a protein punch, making it perfect for health-conscious eaters too..
How to Make Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Breast
Here’s a simple recipe that I’ve perfected, complete with step-by-step instructions to ensure you nail it every time.
Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Breast
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board For slicing the chicken and chopping the spinach.
- 1 Sharp knife To carefully create a pocket in the chicken breasts.
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining the spinach and cheese filling.
- 1 Spoon or spatula To mix and stuff the filling into the chicken.
- 1 Toothpicks To secure the stuffed chicken breasts.
- 1 Oven-safe skillet or frying pan For searing the chicken before baking.
- 1 Tongs To flip the chicken while searing.
- 1 Oven To finish cooking the chicken after searing.
- 1 Meat thermometer To ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Toothpicks (for sealing the chicken breasts)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by carefully slicing a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavorful kick.4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Make the Spinach and Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic until well combined. The cream cheese will help bind everything together, and the Parmesan adds a nice savory depth.1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. It can be a little tricky to keep everything in, so I like to secure the edges with toothpicks. This helps hold the stuffing while cooking.Toothpicks
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they get a golden-brown crust. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet – that’s what the oven is for!1 tbsp olive oil
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted, and the chicken perfectly cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or even some cauliflower mash for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Breast
There’s something so satisfying about cutting into a juicy chicken breast and discovering that savory, cheesy filling inside.
Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe – you can swap out ingredients to suit your taste, like adding sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing or using goat cheese for a tangier twist. This recipe is also great for meal prep because it reheats beautifully without drying out.
Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Breast is a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or simply craving something wholesome yet indulgent. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of this timeless dish!
