Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a flavorful and satisfying main dish. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, then seared and baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless, and evenly sized for even cooking.
- Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika – For seasoning the chicken.
- Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy texture to the filling.
- Mayonnaise – Enhances the creaminess and richness.
- Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
- Baby Spinach Leaves – Adds freshness and nutrients.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp and nutty flavor.
Note: Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below the article.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 425˚F with a rack in the center. In a mixing bowl, mash together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic using a fork. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach until combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts on a flat surface. Cut a slit 3/4 of the way through each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast with 1/3 of the filling and secure with a toothpick to keep the filling inside. Ensure the chicken can lay flat on both sides for even searing.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season the outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet, such as cast iron, over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Flip the chicken a second time and immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165˚F.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving for added flavor.
How to Serve
Serve Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with roasted vegetables, mashed potatos, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Drizzle with the pan juices for extra flavor.
Make Over
Make Ahead
Prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Freezing
Freeze stuffed but uncooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the filling.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese you prefer.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Yes, but you’ll need to lower the heat and cover the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks through.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious way to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort. The creamy filling and perfectly seasoned chicken are sure to impress!
PrintCheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are juicy, flavorful, and packed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling. Perfect for a family dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers impressive results!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Breasts:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, cold
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F with a rack in the center position.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, mash cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic with a fork. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach leaves until well combined.
- Stuff Chicken: Lay chicken breasts on a flat surface and cut a slit 3/4 of the way through each, without cutting all the way. Stuff each breast with 1/3 of the spinach mixture and secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- Season Chicken: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet, such as cast iron, over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake: Flip the chicken breasts again and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can swap baby spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor in the filling.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Toothpick Tip: Use wooden toothpicks and remove them carefully before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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