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Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella or Parmesan. This healthy and flavorful recipe combines vibrant greens and rich cheese for a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The chicken is seared for a golden crust and finished in the oven, resulting in juicy, melty stuffed chicken that impresses both in taste and presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spinach Filling

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach Filling: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the minced garlic briefly, then add the spinach and cook until wilted. Allow to cool slightly, then combine with softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella or Parmesan until fully mixed.
  2. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
  3. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture generously into each chicken pocket, spreading it evenly inside. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling.
  4. Season and Cook: Season both sides of the stuffed breasts with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Take out toothpicks, slice the chicken if desired, and plate for serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach and high-quality cheese for best flavor.
  • Do not overstuff the chicken pockets to prevent leaking during cooking.
  • Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling intact.
  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juicier results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipes, quick chicken dinner, baked stuffed chicken