Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner Magic

Delectable spinach stuffed chicken breast promises a culinary adventure that whisks you from ordinary dinner routines.

This elegant dish combines lean protein with vibrant green nutrients in a delightful package.

A classic recipe reimagined with Mediterranean influences brings unexpected depth to your plate.

Simple ingredients transform into something truly spectacular when prepared with care and creativity.

Fresh spinach mingles with creamy cheese, creating pockets of irresistible flavor inside tender chicken.

Herbs and seasoning elevate each bite, making this meal feel both comforting and sophisticated.

You’ll love how quickly this impressive dinner comes together in your kitchen.

Let’s make something memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Try Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Loaded with protein from chicken, calcium from cheeses, and vitamins from spinach, this dish delivers a balanced and wholesome dinner that satisfies nutritional needs.
  • Impress dinner guests or family members with a gourmet-looking meal that tastes complex but requires minimal culinary skills, transforming an ordinary dinner into a special occasion.
  • Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, this recipe works wonderfully for date nights, family dinners, or meal prep, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein base for the stuffed dish, choose fresh, boneless, and skinless for best results.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy cheese blend that adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the stuffing.
  • Spinach: Nutritious green vegetable that provides color, nutrients, and earthy taste to the filling.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile of the stuffing.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates the taste of the filling.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Paprika: Adds warm color and mild smoky flavor to the chicken's exterior.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Convenient seasonings that provide depth and savory notes to the chicken.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden brown crust and prevents chicken from sticking to the skillet.
  • Toothpicks: Temporary tool to seal chicken breast and keep filling inside during cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Create Cheesy Spinach Mixture

Blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped spinach
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through.

Season chicken exterior with:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Fill Chicken Pockets

Generously stuff each chicken breast with spinach cheese mixture.

Use toothpicks to seal chicken openings and prevent filling from leaking.

Step 4: Sear and Bake Chicken

Heat olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Brown chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.

Transfer skillet to preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh salad.

Tips for Stuffing Chicken Breast with Spinach

  • Prevent Filling Leakage: Seal chicken breast pockets securely with toothpicks to keep the creamy spinach mixture inside during cooking.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda or fontina for unique flavor profiles that complement the spinach.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil and thyme to the filling for an extra burst of aromatic seasoning.
  • Keep Chicken Juicy: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat throughout.

How to Store Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Store leftover spinach stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where they'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Quick reheat by placing chicken on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel, and heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Meals That Match Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity and herbal notes perfectly complement the creamy spinach and cheese filling, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
  • These golden, herb-crusted potatoes echo the garlic and cheese flavors in the stuffed chicken, creating a harmonious side dish that enhances the main course.
  • The peppery greens and light lemon vinaigrette provide a zesty contrast to the rich, creamy chicken, balancing the meal with a refreshing touch.
  • An oaked Chardonnay's buttery undertones and subtle vanilla notes will beautifully match the creamy cheese and delicate spinach filling.

Filling Ideas for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream cheese and mozzarella with cashew cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that accommodates lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap spinach filling with a mixture of herbed goat cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Use thin-sliced chicken cutlets to maintain low-carbohydrate profile while keeping protein high.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh dill into the spinach mixture. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon zest for added brightness.
  • Protein-Packed Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with thick portobello mushroom caps or firm tofu steaks. Stuff with the original spinach and cheese mixture, then bake until golden and crispy on the outside.
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken breasts embrace a rich spinach filling in this Mediterranean-inspired spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe. Herb-infused and perfectly seasoned, each bite delivers a delightful balance of lean protein and creamy green goodness you’ll savor with every forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Craft a luscious filling by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
  2. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while carefully creating a butterfly pocket in each chicken breast without slicing completely through.
  3. Generously season the exterior of the chicken with a robust blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Delicately spoon the prepared spinach-cheese mixture into the created pockets, distributing evenly to ensure a balanced flavor profile.
  5. Secure the chicken pockets using toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
  6. Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
  7. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, helping the juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
  9. Present the succulent stuffed chicken breasts alongside complementary sides like roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier blending with other filling ingredients.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispier exterior.
  • Avoid overstuffing chicken pockets to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Choose fresh spinach and squeeze out excess moisture to maintain filling’s consistent texture.
  • Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to prevent accidental biting.
  • For low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or skip coating entirely.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or ricotta for unique flavor profiles.
  • Ensure chicken reaches exact internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
  • Make extra filling to use as a delicious spread on toast or crackers.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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