Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Baked to perfection with a fragrant Italian seasoning rub, it's a perfect family meal that delivers both nutrition and rich taste.
Ingredients
Spinach Filling
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Chicken and Other
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.)
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix filling ingredients: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, chopped spinach, pressed garlic, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp garlic powder, and ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Combine seasonings: In another small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set this seasoning blend aside for later use.
- Slice chicken breasts: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Carefully cut a slit on the side of each breast about ¾ through, making a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Rub chicken with oil and seasonings: Coat both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. Then evenly rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides.
- Stuff the chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese filling, dividing it equally among all four breasts.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful spinach stuffed chicken breast!
Notes
- Ensure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts to keep the stuffing inside during baking.
- Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can add excess moisture.
- Cooking times may vary depending on chicken breast size; always check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
