The Juiciest Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Crispy golden chicken breasts with gooey spinach and melted cheese create a mouthwatering dream for dinner.

Weeknight meals demand something special that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or excitement.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with savory goodness, this dish promises to satisfy serious comfort food cravings.

Simple ingredients combine into an impressive plate that looks like you spent hours cooking.

Creamy cheese and tender spinach nestle inside perfectly seasoned chicken, making each bite a delightful surprise.

Nutritious and indulgent, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

You won’t believe how quickly these stuffed chicken breasts come together with minimal effort.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm hug.

Why Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Are A Favorite

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet meal with minimal cooking skills required, making restaurant-quality dinner accessible for everyone.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious dish in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying and nutritious meal.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Combine protein-rich chicken with nutrient-dense spinach and calcium-loaded cheeses, creating a balanced and wholesome dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe can be customized with alternative cheeses or additional herbs to suit various taste buds.

Ingredients For Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken

• Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy base for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and melty cheese for extra gooeyness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and sharp cheese for depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the filling.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat perfect for stuffing.

• Spinach Leaves: Fresh and nutritious green vegetable.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful ingredient.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm and slightly spicy notes.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor.
• Paprika: Provides mild sweetness and color.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing and creating golden brown exterior.
• Toothpicks: Helps seal the stuffed chicken.

Steps To Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Create Creamy Spinach Filling

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan
• Chopped spinach leaves

Blend the ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, rich filling.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Stuffing

Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board.

Carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each breast, cutting about 3/4 of the way through without slicing completely.

This creates a perfect cavity for the delicious filling.

Step 3: Stuff Chicken Breasts

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the creamy spinach mixture.

Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Ensure an even distribution of seasonings for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan.

Cook for 4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet directly to a preheated oven at 425˚F.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken before serving for extra moisture and flavor.

Tips For Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Success

• Use toothpicks to close chicken pockets tightly, preventing cheese mixture from leaking during cooking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe 165˚F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked and juicy meat.
• Select crisp, bright green spinach leaves for maximum flavor and nutritional value in the cheese stuffing.
• Mix different cheese types like mozzarella and parmesan for a rich, complex flavor profile that enhances the chicken's taste.
• Searing chicken first creates a golden crust, then transferring to oven ensures even cooking and tender meat.

Save And Reheat Cheesy Spinach Chicken Breasts

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350˚F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to check temperature and prevent overcooking.
• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where it can be stored for up to 2 months before thawing in the refrigerator overnight.

What To Serve With Spinach Stuffed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy, cheesy chicken perfectly, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty acidity.
• Create Herbal Side Salad: Mix fresh arugula, baby spinach, and herb vinaigrette to echo the spinach inside the chicken while providing a light, refreshing contrast to the rich protein.
• Match with Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest to create a complementary vegetable side that enhances the chicken's flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate stuffing.
• Select Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and provide a textural counterpoint to the tender, cheesy chicken.

Flavor Twists For Cheesy Spinach Chicken

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt and use almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese and mozzarella with cashew cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a plant-based filling that keeps the creamy texture and cheesy taste.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary into the cheese mixture to enhance the aromatic profile and add a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to help seal the chicken stuffing if needed.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Assemble the chicken, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of spinach works best?

Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen spinach works too. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture completely to prevent a watery filling.

• Is this recipe good for low-carb diets?

Absolutely! This chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. It’s high in protein and contains minimal carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following low-carb eating plans.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165˚F at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without becoming dry.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts filled with creamy cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts deliver a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this protein-packed meal will delight your taste buds with rich, comforting flavors you can savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (1.75 to 2 pounds / 794 to 907 grams)

Filling Cheeses:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cold
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and finely chopped spinach into a smooth, uniform filling mixture.
2. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
3. Generously stuff each chicken breast with an equal portion of the prepared cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts closed with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
5. Liberally season the exterior of each chicken breast with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated garlic, and smoky paprika.
6. Warm olive oil in a heavy oven-safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
7. Gently place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
8. Transfer the entire skillet directly into a preheated 425˚F oven, roasting for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
9. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
10. Drizzle pan drippings over the chicken before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking and consistent stuffing.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a crispy exterior.
• Use toothpicks carefully when sealing stuffed chicken to prevent losing delicious filling during cooking.
• Monitor internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking, which can make chicken dry and tough.
• Customize spinach mixture by adding herbs like basil or chives for extra flavor complexity.
• Select full-fat cream cheese for richer, more decadent stuffing that holds together better.
• Replace mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangier Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen to reduce excess moisture in the filling.
• For low-carb diets, ensure all ingredients are compliant and skip any breadcrumb coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg