This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts dish is a winner! Tender chicken is filled with tasty spinach and cheese, making every bite delicious and satisfying.
I love how quick and simple this recipe is to prepare. It’s a perfect way to sneak in some greens while keeping dinner exciting. Plus, it looks fancy enough to impress anyone! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If they’re hard to find, you can use thighs instead for a juicier option.
Fresh Spinach: While fresh spinach gives the best texture, frozen spinach works too. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds a creamy richness. For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, though it may change the flavor a bit.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are great for flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a similar taste.
How Do I Cut Chicken Breasts for Stuffing?
Cutting chicken breasts can be tricky, but I’ll help you nail it! The goal is to create a pocket for filling without cutting all the way through.
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, smooth side up.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket, starting from the thickest part.
- Aim to go about halfway through the breast, and be gentle as you cut to avoid breaking through the other side.
- Make sure to leave enough space to hold the filling so it doesn’t spill out during cooking.
With practice, you’ll be creating perfect pockets in no time! Enjoy the stuffing process!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. Overall, you can have these stuffed chicken breasts ready in about 40-45 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 ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get that delicious golden brown color!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be sure to mix it well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and creamy.
3. Cut the Chicken Breasts:
Take a sharp knife and carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through; just create enough room to hold the tasty filling!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fill the chicken! Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each pocket of the chicken breasts. If you find the filling spills out, you can use toothpicks to secure the openings.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
6. Bake in the Oven:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then slice the chicken and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just be sure to thaw it and drain off any excess water before adding it to the filling mixture. Squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel to get rid of as much moisture as possible!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan. Additionally, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. Enjoy them as a quick lunch or dinner!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken breasts and stuff them up to a day before. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, follow the searing and baking steps, adding a couple of extra minutes if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
