Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

Name: Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Author: Tessa

Published: March 3, 2025

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Making stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese has been a game-changer in my kitchen. I remember the first time I tried to make a stuffed chicken breast; it was a disaster! The filling oozed out, and the chicken was dry. But through trial and error, I’ve perfected this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious recipe for stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese that will impress everyone at your dinner table. It transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, proving that you don’t need fancy techniques for amazing flavor. This dish has become a staple in my home because it’s hearty, healthy, and comes together with minimal fuss. I’m all about creating simple, flavorful meals that bring joy, and this recipe absolutely delivers on that promise.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

You’re going to adore this stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese recipe for so many reasons! It’s truly a weeknight winner that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Effortless Elegance: Looks fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy, savory filling is pure comfort food.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and fresh spinach.
Super Versatile: Easily adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand.

The Irresistible Appeal of Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

The magic of this dish lies in the incredible contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and the rich, creamy filling. That melted mozzarella and cream cheese, combined with earthy spinach and garlic, creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious.

Stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese - detail 1

Gathering Your Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

To make this incredible stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese, you’ll need a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. I promise, nothing on this list is hard to find, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breast

The star of our show is, of course, the boneless, skinless chicken breasts – aim for good quality, evenly sized pieces. Fresh spinach is a must for vibrant flavor, and the combination of shredded mozzarella and softened cream cheese creates that wonderfully gooey, rich filling. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic; it makes all the difference!

How to Prepare Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

Making this stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese is simpler than you might think, but there are a few key steps to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and your filling stays put. We’re going to walk through each part of the process, from prepping your chicken to baking it until it’s golden and juicy. Don’t worry, I’ve got all the tips to make sure your first (or hundredth!) attempt is a resounding success!

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your chicken is stuffed. While that’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and combine your chopped fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This is your delicious filling, so make sure it’s evenly mixed.

Now, let’s get to the chicken! The trick here is to create a nice, deep pocket without cutting all the way through. Once stuffed, you’ll secure it, place it in a baking dish, and add a little olive oil and optional breadcrumbs for a lovely golden crust. Then, it’s into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. I always recommend having a meat thermometer handy to check for doneness; it’s the best way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breast

The first crucial step is butterflying your chicken breasts. Lay one chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest side, almost all the way to the other edge, but leave about half an inch connected. This creates a “pocket” or “hinge.” Open it up like a book. Next, spoon your spinach and cheese mixture evenly into the center of each butterflied chicken breast. Don’t overfill it! Gently fold the chicken back over the filling. If you’re worried about the filling escaping, secure the opening with one or two toothpicks. This helps hold everything together beautifully while baking.

Baking Your Stuffed Chicken Breast to Perfection

Once your chicken breasts are stuffed and secured, place them in a baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each breast, and if you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The best way to check is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the filling. This ensures both safety and maximum juiciness!

Stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese - detail 2

Tips for Success with Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

For the best results with your stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese, don’t overcrowd your baking dish; give each piece a little space to cook evenly. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can gently pound them thinner before butterflying – this helps them cook more uniformly. Always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final product. And for an extra layer of flavor, consider rubbing the outside of the chicken with a little garlic powder and paprika before baking!

Flavor Variations for Your Stuffed Chicken Breast

The beauty of this stuffed chicken breast recipe is how easily you can play with the flavors! I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick, or swapping out some mozzarella for smoked provolone for a deeper, richer taste. Sometimes, I’ll even throw in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness. Experimenting with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano can also completely change the profile!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Chicken Breast

I get a lot of questions about this stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese recipe, and I love helping you make it your own! People often wonder about ingredient swaps, how to prep ahead, and what to serve alongside this delicious main course. It’s a versatile dish, so let’s dive into some common queries to ensure your stuffed chicken breast experience is always a success. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the filling or cooking methods to suit your taste and schedule!

Can I Prepare Stuffed Chicken Breast Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breast up to 24 hours in advance. Just stuff the chicken, secure it, and place it in your baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before putting it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to Serve with Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese?

This rich and savory stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I love serving it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fluffy bed of wild rice are also fantastic choices that complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the star of the plate.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Stuffed Chicken Breast

For one serving of this delicious stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese, you’re looking at approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat (with 8g saturated), 40g of protein, and around 5g of carbohydrates. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients you use.

Enjoy Your Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese!

There you have it, folks! A truly delicious, yet surprisingly simple, way to elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredible stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Please, don’t be shy! Come back and let me know how it turned out in the comments below, or even better, rate the recipe and share your culinary creations!