These Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful filling. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe stands out with its rich blend of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for families and guests alike.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This dish takes just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh spinach creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
Healthy Option: With low carbs and high protein, this recipe fits well into various dietary plans, including keto and low-carb diets.
Versatile Dish: Serve it alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
Impressive Presentation: The stuffed chicken breasts look elegant on the plate, making them ideal for dinner parties or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your spinach stuffed chicken breasts, gather your tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Baking dish (9×13)
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when making pockets in the chicken breasts, allowing for easier stuffing.
Mixing bowl: This is essential for combining your stuffing ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking dish: A 9×13 baking dish is perfect for holding multiple chicken breasts at once while they bake evenly.

Ingredients

These spinach stuffed chicken breasts are loaded with cream cheese, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese.

Chicken Breast Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (divided)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder

Stuffing Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the chicken through evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.

Step 4: Create Pockets in the Chicken

Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want enough space to hold the stuffing.

Step 5: Make the Spinach Filling

In another mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 6: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each pocket of the chicken breasts. Ensure each one is generously filled.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken Breasts

Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious spinach stuffed chicken breasts!

How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Serving spinach stuffed chicken breasts is an opportunity to create a delightful meal that impresses family and friends. Pairing it with the right sides can enhance the dish’s flavors and make for a well-rounded dinner.

With Fresh Salad

A light mixed greens salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa absorbs all the delicious juices, making every bite flavorful.

With Steamed Vegetables

Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provide a nutritious and colorful addition to your plate.

Topped with Tomato Sauce

A light marinara sauce drizzled over the chicken adds moisture and an Italian flair to this classic dish.

With Garlic Bread

Crunchy garlic bread complements the spinach stuffed chicken, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

How to Perfect Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

To achieve perfectly cooked spinach stuffed chicken breasts, a few key techniques can enhance your dish.

Choose Evenly Sized Breasts: Select chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking throughout.
Pound Chicken Breasts: Lightly pound the chicken before stuffing to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cream cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Pairing your spinach stuffed chicken breasts with complementary side dishes enhances the dining experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic provide comfort and pair well with savory flavors.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and a hint of bitterness that balances richness.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that soaks up sauces beautifully while adding a healthy twist.
Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with olives, tomatoes, and feta brings a refreshing taste to your meal.
Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles can be sautéed for added flavor while keeping calories low.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet baked potatoes offer a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with savory stuffed chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making spinach stuffed chicken breasts can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some to watch out for:

Skipping the Seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly will result in bland flavors. Be sure to season both sides generously before cooking.
Overstuffing the Chicken: Adding too much filling can cause the chicken to burst during cooking. Use just enough mixture to fill each pocket without overflowing.
Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold cream cheese and spinach can make mixing difficult. Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier blending.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Undercooking or overcooking will affect texture and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store spinach stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, cover, and heat on low until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making spinach stuffed chicken breasts:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the filling.

What other cheeses can I use?

You could substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mozzarella for different flavors and textures in your spinach stuffed chicken breasts.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers or mushrooms would complement the flavors nicely in your spinach stuffed chicken breasts.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These chicken breasts store well and reheat easily, making them great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

These spinach stuffed chicken breasts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different cheeses or veggies according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts, a dish that marries tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful filling. This recipe is not just delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Each bite is filled with a rich blend of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, providing a delightful taste experience. Whether served alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad, these stuffed chicken breasts will impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and season with paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cut pockets into the sides of each chicken breast for stuffing.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt to make the filling.
Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture.
Place in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American