Introduction

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and creamy twist on a classic. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a rich mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and parmesan, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for family dinners or guests.

A cooked chicken breast with a reddish spice coating sits on top of a creamy spinach layer, both resting on a white plate with a light gray rim. The chicken is thick and slightly curved, with a textured surface from the spices. Below it, the creamy spinach mix is visible with green leafy pieces in a white creamy base. A silver fork is lifting a slice of the chicken, showing the white, juicy meat inside. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a cast iron skillet holding more chicken and spinach in the background along with a cloth napkin with red, yellow, and gray leaf patterns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast (4 pieces, 4 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 cups spinach (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Wash and chop the spinach leaves. Grate the parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated, then combine it in a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, and minced garlic until well blended. Set this filling aside.
Step 4: Carefully slice a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through.
Step 5: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts to keep them moist while cooking.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture on both sides of each chicken breast for flavorful seasoning.
Step 7: Stuff the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, pressing it in gently so it stays inside.
Step 8: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach filling for mild heat.
You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
Try using mozzarella or feta cheese instead of parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
Make sure not to overstuff the chicken pockets to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Storage

Store any leftover spinach stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but also freezes well for up to 1 month when wrapped tightly.

How to Serve

A dish shows a golden-brown chicken breast with a spicy red-brown crust on top, stuffed with creamy white and green filling that peeks out slightly from the middle layer. One chicken breast is in a black cast iron pan with a silver spoon resting beside it, while two pieces are on separate white plates; one of the plated pieces is partially cut with a silver fork lifting a slice, showing the soft white interior of the chicken and the creamy green herb filling inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a floral cloth partially seen under the pan, alongside a silver knife and fork near the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.

What can I serve with spinach stuffed chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to balance the creamy filling.