Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts make for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious. This recipe features tender chicken filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked to perfection in just 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with the olive or avocado oil.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast and set them aside.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
6. Step 6: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket.
7. Step 7: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the spinach mixture.
• Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the filling while keeping it creamy.
• Ensure the chicken pockets are sealed as best as possible to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Add mozzarella or feta cheese for a different cheesy twist in the stuffing.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To freeze, wrap each cooked chicken breast tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling to avoid a watery stuffing.

What temperature should the chicken reach to be safely cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spices. Baked to perfection, this dish makes a delicious and healthy dinner option that combines protein-packed chicken with a rich, savory filling.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Spinach Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken perfectly.
2. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with olive or avocado oil to coat evenly, which helps with seasoning adherence and moisture during baking.
3. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for balanced flavor.
4. Cut Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast to create space for the filling. Set the chicken aside once the pockets are made.
5. Make Filling: In a small mixing bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt until well combined and creamy.
6. Stuff Chicken: Spoon the prepared spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring each breast is generously filled.
7. Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.
• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• The recipe can be doubled easily by increasing ingredient quantities proportionally and using a larger baking dish.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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