When you're craving something elegant yet easy, this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast checks all the boxes. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and melty mozzarella — then seared to golden perfection and baked until juicy and tender. It's a dish that feels gourmet, but it’s simple enough for any weeknight.
This recipe is low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite whether you're cooking for family or hosting a dinner party. You only need one skillet and less than 45 minutes — but the results will make you look like a kitchen rockstar.
🛒 Ingredients (U.S. Measurements)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Spinach Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 ½ cups frozen, thawed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken
Slice a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of garlic butter.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 4)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~400 kcal |
Protein | 42g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fat | 24g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 1g |
Sodium | 580mg |
Note: Based on average values using fresh spinach and regular cream cheese.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- No oven-safe skillet? Sear in a pan, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or season the chicken with Cajun spice.
- Add extras: Mix sun-dried tomatoes or chopped artichokes into the filling for variety.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based cheese shreds.
🔥 Chef’s Extra Touch (From Me to You)
For extra richness and a beautiful finish, deglaze the skillet after searing the chicken with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, then drizzle the pan juices over the finished dish before serving.
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