This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is a quick winner! Juicy chicken filled with creamy spinach and cheese makes for a yummy meal that’s also healthy.
You’ll feel like a master chef when you serve this dish. It’s perfect for impressing guests or a cozy dinner at home. Plus, I love that it comes together in just a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for easy stuffing. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using turkey breasts. They work well in the same way!
Spinach: Fresh chopped spinach gives a nice texture and flavor. If you only have frozen spinach, just remember to thaw and squeeze out all the water to avoid a soggy filling.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. For a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein boost.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness and Parmesan for added flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cream cheese and a nutritional yeast sprinkle for cheesiness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a pungent flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can be a substitute, but use less since it’s stronger.
How Do You Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Making a Mess?
Cutting and stuffing the chicken might seem tricky, but here’s how to do it smoothly:
- First, ensure your knife is sharp. A good knife will slice easily!
- Slice horizontally into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Aim for a pocket without cutting completely through.
- Scoop the filling into the pocket using a spoon or your fingers. Don’t overstuff, as the filling needs space.
- Use toothpicks to seal if necessary. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Following these tips will help your stuffed chicken stay intact while cooking, yielding a beautiful, flavorful dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mixed herbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and about 25-30 minutes for cooking. You’ll have delicious spinach stuffed chicken breasts ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, the oven will be ready when you finish preparing the stuffed chicken breasts.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything until it’s well combined. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste!
3. Create Pockets in Chicken Breasts:
Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into them. Slice horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through. You want to create a space to hold the delicious filling.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fill those pockets! Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast. Be sure to fill them generously but avoid overstuffing. If the opening seems like it could come undone, use toothpicks to secure them.
5. 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 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This adds a lovely color and flavor.
6. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. You can check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices settle. If you used toothpicks, take those out before serving.
8. Enjoy!
Your yummy spinach stuffed chicken breasts are ready to serve! Plate them with your favorite sides, and enjoy this wonderful meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water before mixing it with the cheese filling. This will prevent your stuffed chicken from getting soggy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to keep it dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use non-dairy mozzarella. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to cook, just sear and bake as directed. This makes meal prep super easy!
What Should I Serve with Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious flavors. You can also serve it with a light garlic sauce if you’d like!
