This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is a winner! Tender chicken filled with creamy spinach and cheese makes for a tasty and satisfying meal.
You can make it in no time, even on a busy evening. Just stuff, bake, and enjoy—it’s that simple! Plus, it looks fancy enough for guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for stuffing. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use turkey breasts. They offer a similar texture and taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for this recipe. However, you can also use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it well to get rid of excess moisture.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the filling a creamy texture. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt. It will add some tanginess too!
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan enhance flavor. If you’re out of mozzarella, shredded cheddar works well. For the Parmesan, any hard cheese can be a substitute, like Pecorino or Grana Padano.
How Do I Cut and Stuff Chicken Breast Properly?
Cutting and stuffing the chicken breast can seem tricky, but it’s quite easy with a bit of practice. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, place the chicken breast on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to make a pocket by slicing into the thickest part of the breast—just be careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the pocket with the spinach filling, pressing gently to fit it all in.
- If necessary, use toothpicks to close the opening and keep the filling inside while cooking.
By making a good pocket, you’ll enjoy all the delicious cheesy goodness without making a mess!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Stuffing:
- 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 Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook in total. So, in about 40 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your chicken is ready to go in!
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is creamy and evenly blended. This filling is what makes the chicken extra special!
3. Cut the Chicken:
Now, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want a nice opening to hold all that delicious filling.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the spinach and cheese mixture and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! If the openings are a bit loose, you can use toothpicks to secure them.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This adds a lovely flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. After resting, serve them warm and enjoy your delightful, cheesy meal!
Dig in and savor every bite!
FAQ for Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This helps avoid a watery mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter option. Both will add creaminess, although the flavor will vary slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them in short intervals, checking frequently.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead of time. Just assemble them and store covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes for an easy weeknight meal!
