If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated—juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture that melts in your mouth with every bite. This recipe flawlessly blends savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it an instant favorite for weeknights or special occasions alike. Plus, it’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to wow anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe shows that simple choices can create rich flavors and delightful textures. Each item contributes perfectly, from the tender chicken providing the base to the creamy cheeses and vibrant spinach mixing into a luscious filling.
- Chicken breasts: Choose four boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing and juicy results.
- Spinach: One cup of cooked spinach adds freshness and a lovely pop of green.
- Cream cheese: Half a cup gives the filling a smooth, tangy creaminess that binds everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella: Another half cup brings gooey, melty goodness and a gentle richness.
- Garlic powder: One tablespoon infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic flair.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste to highlight and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken through while allowing the filling to become beautifully warm and melty.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. This is the all-important step that holds your delicious filling snugly inside the chicken without losing any of those flavors while baking.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Mix together your cooked spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This combination creates a creamy, cheesy filling that complements the chicken perfectly with a hint of garlic kick and fresh greens.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Gently spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each pocket you created in the chicken breasts. Be generous but careful not to overfill. Use toothpicks to seal the opening, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the stuffed breasts in a baking dish and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), signaling that it’s perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this keeps it juicy and tender. Then, slice and serve to share the satisfying combination of warm, cheesy spinach and tender chicken that makes this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. You might also add a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This luscious chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. Light sides help balance the richness of the filling and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken breasts diagonally to reveal the beautiful spiral of spinach and cheese inside. Serve on a platter with drizzled balsamic glaze or a light tomato sauce to add flavor depth and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken sealed well helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a future meal, wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer without losing their delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen servings overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying the meat out. Reheating this way keeps the chicken juicy and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of cooked?
Yes, but it’s best to sauté or steam fresh spinach first to remove excess moisture. Raw spinach might make the filling too watery and affect the texture of the dish.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
You can swap mozzarella for fontina, cheddar, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Experimenting with cheese combinations is a fun way to personalize this recipe.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, safe chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The stuffed chicken breasts can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, or fully cooked and stored for reheating during the week.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the spinach and cheese mixture for exciting new flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet makes weeknight dinners so easy and rewarding. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite for so many home cooks. Dive in and enjoy the cozy flavors and wonderful textures that come together in every bite—you might just find your new go-to chicken recipe!
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Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture, baked to perfection for a juicy and flavorful meal. Ideal for a wholesome dinner, it combines rich cream cheese, mozzarella, and savory garlic seasoning with healthy spinach for an irresistible, protein-packed dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Filling
- 1 cup spinach, cooked
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts.
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through to keep the filling intact.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the opening and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, then serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature for food safety.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or paprika on the chicken before baking.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid any accidents while eating.
- Served best with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
