This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a tasty and healthy dish. Juicy chicken is filled with creamy spinach and cheese, making it super flavorful and satisfying!
When I make this, my family can’t get enough! It’s a fun way to sneak in some greens. Plus, it’s so easy that even on busy nights, I can whip it up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they’re easy to stuff. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be a great alternative. They stay juicy and add more flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a wonderful texture and flavor. If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen spinach works too! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water.
Cream cheese: This gives a creamy richness to the filling. If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cream cheese or silken tofu as a substitute for a similar texture.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan make a tasty combo. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cheeses, or swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Spices: I like to use Italian seasoning for added flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite spices, like paprika or crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Keeping chicken juicy can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you out:
- First, be careful not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and moisture.
- Searing the chicken in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side helps lock in juices. Don’t skip this step!
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy as the juices redistribute.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have perfectly juicy and delicious stuffed chicken breasts every time!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 50 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your stuffed chicken breasts!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Stir well until everything is combined to create a creamy filling.
3. Cut the Chicken Breasts:
Gently cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want the chicken to hold the filling inside.
4. Season the Chicken:
Take a moment to season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will add flavor to your chicken!
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, fill each chicken pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Make sure to pack it in well, and then use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings, so the filling doesn’t spill out while cooking.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Once they are nicely seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine before cutting into the chicken.
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the stuffed chicken warm. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grain. Enjoy your delicious and easy spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
FAQ: Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water to avoid a watery filling. About 1 cup of frozen spinach is equivalent to the 2 cups of fresh spinach.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Just make sure they melt well when baking!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken with the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to tightly wrap it to prevent drying out. When ready, sear and bake as directed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy your leftovers!
