This easy spinach stuffed chicken is a tasty and healthy meal! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with creamy spinach and cheese, making every bite delicious.
I love how simple this recipe is. Just stuff, bake, and enjoy! It’s perfect for dinner or impressing friends without stress. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use thighs for juicier meat. They work great too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely flavor and color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach is a good substitute. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before using it.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully. You can swap it for cheddar or provolone if you like a different taste. Parmesan adds a nice flavor, but if you don’t have it, use another hard cheese that you enjoy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use less – about 1/4 teaspoon should be enough.
How Do I Create Perfectly Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple! The key is to make deep enough pockets without cutting all the way through. Here’s how:
- Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal cut along one side of the chicken breast.
- Carefully create a pocket, being mindful of the sides. This lets you load in the filling without it spilling out.
- When stuffing, use a spoon or your fingers to pack the filling gently but firmly. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep everything inside while baking.
Remember to let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy and lets the flavors meld together. Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying your tasty spinach stuffed chicken in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your oven will be ready when it’s time to bake the chicken!
2. Making the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Mix it all together until it’s nicely incorporated and creamy. This will be the delicious filling for your chicken!
3. Preparing the Chicken:
Next, take a sharp knife and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be gentle and ensure you don’t cut all the way through. You want to create a nice pocket to hold your filling!
4. Stuffing the Chicken:
Now it’s time to stuff! Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Distribute the filling evenly among all the breasts. If the filling looks like it might escape, you can secure the openings with toothpicks.
5. Seasoning the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides to add some flavorful goodness.
6. Baking the Chicken:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish or on an oven-safe skillet. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
7. Final Touches:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in the chicken!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, if you used toothpicks, carefully remove them. Serve your warm, cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts and enjoy every flavorful bite!
This easy recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling. This prevents the mixture from becoming too watery.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese in place of cream cheese. Just keep the texture in mind; they will give a slightly different taste, but still delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and stuffing mixture a day in advance. Just store the stuffed chicken breasts covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating.
