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
- Craft a luscious filling by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while carefully creating a butterfly pocket in each chicken breast without slicing completely through.
- Generously season the exterior of the chicken with a robust blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Delicately spoon the prepared spinach-cheese mixture into the created pockets, distributing evenly to ensure a balanced flavor profile.
- Secure the chicken pockets using toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- 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.
- 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).
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, helping the juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- 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