Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts is an elegant yet simple dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy spinach filling. The chicken breasts are carefully butterflied and stuffed with a mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan, then baked to perfection. The result is a flavorful, protein-packed entrée that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a creamy, cheesy filling balanced with tender chicken. The combination of textures—the succulent chicken, creamy spinach, and melty cheese—makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it elevates simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. The creamy spinach filling is rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, while the chicken stays moist and tender throughout baking.
It’s a recipe that impresses both visually and in taste. Another reason I love it is its versatility.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it transforms a basic chicken breast into a show-stopping entrée with layers of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, date nights, or even holiday meals.
The creamy spinach filling adds a gourmet touch while still being easy to prepare. For anyone who enjoys cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors combined with perfectly cooked chicken, this recipe is an absolute winner.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spinach Filling
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For Topping
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Directions Overview
- Prepare chicken breasts by butterflying and seasoning.
- Sauté spinach and garlic, then mix with cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Stuff chicken breasts with the spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Sear chicken in olive oil, then bake until cooked through.
- Optionally, top with mozzarella cheese and broil for a golden finish.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Breasts
Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Prepare Spinach Filling
Heat a small skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff Chicken
Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Carefully fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
Step 5: Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 6: Bake Chicken
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or place chicken in a baking dish) and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping
If using mozzarella, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking or broil for 1–2 minutes until melted and golden.
Step 8: Serve
Remove toothpicks and serve chicken breasts hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve
Serve creamy spinach stuffed chicken breasts with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the top enhances the flavor.
Recipe Tips
Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can be used if thoroughly drained. Avoid overstuffing chicken to prevent the filling from spilling out. Searing before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor. Use an oven-safe skillet for convenience.
Variations
Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap the stuffed chicken with bacon before baking for extra flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Variation: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach filling.
Cheesy Version: Mix mozzarella or feta into the filling for extra creaminess.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for added aroma.
Low-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and skip the mozzarella topping.
Freezing and Storage Time
Refrigeration: Store cooked stuffed chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked stuffed chicken in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Special Equipment Needed
Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Toothpicks
Spatula or tongs
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts is a flavorful, elegant, and satisfying dish that elevates a simple chicken breast into a gourmet meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy spinach, and melted cheese delivers rich, comforting flavors that are sure to impress. This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and visually appealing main course.
Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Description
Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts is an elegant yet simple dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy spinach filling. The chicken breasts are carefully butterflied and stuffed with a mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan, then baked to perfection. The result is a flavorful, protein-packed entrée that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Spinach Filling
For Topping
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Breasts : Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
Step 3: Prepare Spinach Filling : Heat a small skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
-
Step 4: Stuff Chicken : Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Carefully fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
-
Step 5: Sear Chicken : Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Step 6: Bake Chicken : Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or place chicken in a baking dish) and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
-
Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping : If using mozzarella, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking or broil for 1–2 minutes until melted and golden.
-
Step 8: Serve : Remove toothpicks and serve chicken breasts hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
