This easy spinach stuffed chicken breast is a tasty dinner option! Juicy chicken is filled with creamy spinach and cheese for a delicious surprise inside.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! I often pair this dish with rice or a salad for a colorful plate. Plus, it makes me feel like a master chef! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You can substitute them with thighs for a juicier option if you prefer! Just ensure they are boneless for easier stuffing.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely taste, but frozen spinach works too! Just thaw it and squeeze out the moisture. For a twist, you might try kale or Swiss chard.
Cheeses: Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a nice flavor kick. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a great combination of herbs. If you don’t have it handy, using a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works just as well!
How Do I Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but it gets easier with practice! Start by carefully cutting a pocket into the side of each breast. You want to go deep enough to hold the filling but not cut all the way through.
- Use a sharp knife for better control and avoid tearing.
- Don’t over-stuff the pockets. This can cause the chicken to burst while cooking.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything inside while it cooks.
Letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep the juices in, so don’t skip this step! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when the chicken is stuffed.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and well-blended. This filling is the star of the show!
3. Create Pockets in the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side. You want to go deep enough to hold the filling but not cut all the way through. This is where your delicious mixture will go!
4. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and the Italian seasoning all over the chicken breasts, both inside and out. This will add great flavor to the chicken itself.
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fill those pockets! Carefully spoon the creamy spinach mixture into each chicken breast. Don’t overstuff them! Once filled, secure the opening using toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil 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’re golden brown. This adds a lovely color and flavor!
7. Bake in the Oven:
After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
8. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Remember to carefully remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to enjoy your beautifully stuffed chicken breasts! Serve them hot alongside rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a wonderful meal.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
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 and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the cheeses. This helps prevent the filling from being too watery.
What Should I Do If My Chicken Breasts Are Very Thick?
If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them (slicing them in half horizontally but not all the way through) before stuffing. This gives you more surface area to work with and ensures they cook evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to cook, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
