Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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There are few dishes that balance elegance and comfort as well as Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Chicken. It’s a recipe that brings together tender chicken breasts, a creamy spinach and cheese filling, and just the right amount of seasoning to create a meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet simple enough to make at home. Whether you are planning a family dinner, a romantic meal, or looking for a new weeknight favorite, this stuffed chicken dish is one that never disappoints.

The magic of this recipe lies in its combination of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken acts as the perfect canvas, while the filling provides a creamy, cheesy richness with the fresh, slightly earthy taste of spinach. It’s versatile too—you can serve it alongside mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Plus, it’s a recipe that looks more complicated than it actually is, which makes it ideal for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the spinach & cheese filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (lightly chopped)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the filling

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which usually takes 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This filling should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned into the chicken.

2. Prepare the chicken breasts

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast—make sure not to cut all the way through. The idea is to create a space to hold the spinach and cheese mixture. Season the outside of each chicken breast with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff the chicken

Spoon the spinach and cheese filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Don’t overfill, but make sure you have a generous amount in each. If needed, you can use toothpicks to secure the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking.

4. Cook the chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Once seared, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before finishing it in the oven.

5. Rest and serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping it tender and moist. Slice carefully to reveal the cheesy spinach filling and serve with your favorite side dish.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose the right chicken breasts: Look for larger chicken breasts since they’re easier to cut and stuff without tearing. If your chicken is on the smaller side, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness before cutting.

  2. Seal with toothpicks: If you worry about the filling spilling, secure the opening with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.

  3. Experiment with cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan give a great balance of melt and flavor, you can swap in feta for tang, cheddar for sharpness, or even Gruyère for a nutty twist.

  4. Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to cut down on richness while still keeping a creamy filling.

  5. Pairing ideas: Mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad with balsamic vinaigrette all work beautifully with this dish.

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