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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

I’m excited to share this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe with you because it’s one of those weeknight go-tos that feels indulgent but is actually pretty simple to make. You get juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture that just melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for when you want something a little special but don’t want to fuss over complicated steps in the kitchen.

What I love most about this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is how flexible it is — you can easily swap cheeses or add spices to suit your mood, and it always delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role — the spices bring warmth, the cheeses add creaminess and richness, and the spinach brings a fresh, healthy touch. When shopping, try to get fresh spinach and good-quality cheeses for the best result.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking and easier stuffing.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
  • Garlic powder: Gives a mellow garlic note without overpowering the filling.
  • Onion powder: Adds depth and a bit of sweetness.
  • Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and lovely color to the chicken.
  • Salt: Season it just right to enhance all the flavors.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a subtle kick.
  • Cream cheese (softened): The base of the filling — makes it silky and creamy.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy melted cheese goodness.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp umami boost that balances the creaminess.
  • Fresh spinach (chopped): Freshness and color, plus a healthy veggie boost.
  • Garlic cloves (minced): Real garlic flavor in the filling that wakes up the taste buds.

Variations

This recipe is great as is, but I love tweaking it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s what cooking at home is all about!

  • Variation: I’ve swapped out mozzarella for pepper jack when I want a little heat, and it’s amazing.
  • Low-carb: Skip any breadcrumbs or sides and just enjoy the stuffed chicken with a side salad.
  • Mushroom addition: Try adding sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra umami richness.
  • Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives, and substitute chicken breasts with portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each breast — I like to use a sharp knife and go slowly, so you don’t slice all the way through. Season each breast inside and out with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Spinach Filling

Next, mix your softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, and minced garlic in a bowl. I usually give it a good stir until everything is well combined. If you find the filling too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up just a bit.

Step 3: Stuff and Secure

Gently spoon the filling into each chicken pocket. Don’t overfill — you want enough filling to get that cheesy burst, but not so much that it spills out while cooking. If you’re worried about filling escaping, use toothpicks to secure the opening.

Step 4: Sear and Bake

Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side — this gives them a beautiful golden crust. Once seared, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the chicken right before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little squeeze of lemon juice on top also brightens up the richness of the cheese.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Sometimes I go for a simple garlic mashed potato or even cauliflower rice to keep it light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I arrange the chicken breasts on a platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and scatter toasted pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes around for contrast. Guests always appreciate the extra effort, and it makes the dish feel fancy without added fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find keeping the chicken whole helps maintain moisture, rather than slicing it.

Freezing

I’ve frozen stuffed chicken breasts before by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They thaw overnight in the fridge and still taste fresh when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the chicken loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep it moist and creamy. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven preserves texture better.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the frozen spinach before mixing it with the cheese filling. Otherwise, too much moisture can make the filling watery and affect the texture.

  2. How do I know when the stuffed chicken breasts are fully cooked?

    The best way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes weeknight dinner prep even easier.

  4. Is there a low-carb option for this recipe?

    This recipe is naturally low in carbs since it’s mostly chicken and cheese. Just be mindful of any sides you serve—stick to veggies or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

  5. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

    If you want a lighter option, ricotta cheese works well as a substitute, though it yields a slightly less creamy texture. Just make sure it’s well-drained so the filling isn’t too wet.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting but still a little elegant. It’s cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull off. I hope you find it as much of a winner as I do — once you’ve tasted that creamy, cheesy filling paired with perfectly cooked chicken, it’ll be one of your favorites too. Go ahead and give it a try; your dinner table will thank you!

Print

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and garlic. The chicken is seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then pan-seared to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a comforting and protein-packed dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. This will create a space to stuff the filling.
  3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for a flavorful coating.
  4. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the prepared cheese and spinach filling evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the opening and keep the filling inside during cooking.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be cautious when flipping so the filling doesn’t spill out.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken remains moist and tender.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if necessary before stuffing.
  • Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets if the filling tends to spill out during cooking.
  • Feel free to swap fresh spinach for frozen spinach that’s been thoroughly drained and squeezed dry.
  • Add herbs like basil or oregano to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, spinach chicken recipe, cheesy stuffed chicken, dinner recipes, healthy chicken dishes

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