Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, seasoned perfectly with garlic and Italian spices. Baked to juicy perfection, this dish makes a wholesome and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Spinach Filling
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.)
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded parmesan, shredded mozzarella, chopped baby spinach, pressed garlic, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and set aside.
- Mix Chicken Seasoning: In another small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set this seasoning aside for later use.
- Cut Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp small knife, carefully make a slit horizontally along the side of each breast about three-quarters through, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Season Chicken: Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Then, evenly sprinkle and rub the prepared seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken for consistent flavor.
- Stuff Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese filling. Divide the filling equally to ensure each breast is adequately filled.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced evenly. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts hot and enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure not to cut fully through the chicken breasts when making the pocket to prevent the filling from leaking.
- You can substitute baby spinach with fresh kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature for safely cooked chicken.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
