Nora
If you’re craving a satisfying, flavor-packed chicken dinner, Spinach Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate recipe to try. This dish combines juicy baked chicken breasts with a rich filling of garlicky spinach and creamy cheese, making it a hearty and low-carb favorite. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s both elegant and easy.
Spinach stuffed chicken is the ideal solution when you’re looking to upgrade plain chicken breasts. With only a few pantry staples and fresh greens, this recipe transforms into a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make.
What Is the Spinach Stuffed Chicken?
Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a delicious baked chicken breast recipe where the chicken is split and filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, cream cheese, and mozzarella or parmesan. It’s then seasoned and baked or pan-seared until golden and juicy. The contrast of tender meat and melty, seasoned filling makes every bite irresistible.
This style of stuffed chicken is a versatile dinner option, as it pairs with a wide variety of sides and is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-forward: The garlic-sautéed spinach and melted cheese filling delivers comfort and depth.
- Simple prep: No need to pound the chicken; a clean slit is all it takes.
- Healthy choice: Packed with greens and protein, it’s ideal for balanced eating.
- Elegant but easy: Great for date nights or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Switch cheeses, add sun-dried tomatoes, or spice it up with chili flakes.
Ingredients for Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
How To Make the Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add chopped spinach. Cook until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice and Season Chicken
Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Divide the spinach mixture evenly and fill each chicken pocket generously. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any melted filling or pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Spinach Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken pairs well with many sides. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Craving comfort? Mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta complement the creamy spinach filling beautifully. For low-carb sides, try cauliflower mash or sautéed mushrooms.
Top Tips for Perfecting Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- Use fresh spinach: It sautés quickly and doesn’t release too much moisture.
- Don’t overfill: Ensure chicken can close fully to avoid leakage during cooking.
- Secure with toothpicks: Especially helpful if you added extra cheese.
- Sear before baking: Adds color and locks in juices.
- Use a thermometer: Chicken is perfectly done at 165°F internally.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Use the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
Spinach stuffed chicken pairs well with roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. Creamy mashed cauliflower or lemon herb quinoa also balance the richness of the dish with lighter textures and flavors.
A stuffed chicken breast typically bakes for 25–30 minutes at 375°F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
Yes, chicken and spinach are a great match. The lean protein of the chicken complements the nutrient-dense, earthy flavor of spinach, creating a wholesome and balanced meal suitable for any diet.
Mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese are excellent choices for pairing with chicken. These cheeses melt beautifully and enhance the savory flavor of chicken without overpowering it. They’re commonly used in stuffed or baked chicken recipes.
To confirm doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the stuffed chicken. It’s safe to eat when it reads 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the stuffing should be hot and steamy.
Cream cheese mixed with spinach or garlic herb Boursin offers a creamy texture and flavor boost. Mozzarella adds a stretchy melt, while feta brings tanginess. The best cheese depends on the flavor profile you’re after.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
You might also like the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, which delivers a bold crust and juicy center. Or check out Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for creamy, ham-filled comfort.
For veggie-forward choices, Easy Veggie Patties are crispy and hearty, while Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce echo the same creamy greens theme.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells also take the spinach-cheese combo into a pasta format for easy family-style dining.
Save and Share This Spinach Stuffed Chicken
You can pin this recipe for later or print it out to upgrade your weekly dinner lineup.
If you make this Spinach Stuffed Chicken, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you go with mozzarella, or try goat cheese? Did you serve it with salad or starch?
Your tips and twists help others make it their own!
📌 Save this to your ‘Healthy Chicken Dinners’ board so it’s ready when you are.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinner recipes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic and spinach until wilted. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella until well combined.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and fill with the spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place in baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.