Growing up, Sunday dinners were a big deal in our house. After a long week of work and school, we would gather around the table to share a comforting homemade meal, often featuring dishes that were both hearty and nourishing. One meal that always made an appearance, especially in the spring when fresh greens were plentiful, was Spinach Stuffed Chicken.
There is something undeniably cozy about biting into a juicy chicken breast filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. In many cultures, stuffing meats is a symbol of abundance and care — taking the time to fill something ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. Spinach Stuffed Chicken holds that same spirit, offering comfort, nutrition, and a bit of elegance all in one bite.
Whether you are looking for a healthier take on a comfort meal or something that will impress guests without the stress, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Simple ingredients, huge flavor.
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A perfect low-carb, high-protein meal.
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Feels indulgent while being easy to make.
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Great for meal prepping and storing for later.
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Kid-approved and family-friendly.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
HOW TO MAKE Spinach Stuffed Chicken:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Stuffed chicken might sound a little intimidating, but trust me, it is far simpler than you might think. I vividly remember the first time I attempted it — there was a bit of nervousness as I sliced open the chicken breasts, but by the end, it felt like a small victory. You will feel the same.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast by cutting horizontally without going all the way through. This pocket is where the creamy, cheesy spinach filling will go.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this flavorful seasoning blend all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and chopped spinach until well combined. This mixture should be rich and thick, speckled with vibrant green pieces of spinach.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Use a spoon to generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach mixture. Press the filling inside gently and, if needed, secure the opening with toothpicks.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The result? Juicy chicken, melty cheese, and tender spinach all in one stunning bite.
HELPFUL TIPS:
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If you are new to slicing chicken pockets, use a sharp knife and go slowly to avoid cutting through the other side.
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You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before stuffing the chicken.
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If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish before finishing in the oven.
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Category: Dinner
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Method: Baked and Pan-seared
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Cuisine: American
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Diet: Low Carb, Keto-Friendly
NOTES:
Feel free to mix in other greens such as kale or arugula if you do not have spinach on hand. Adding a few sun-dried tomatoes to the filling also offers a burst of flavor and color.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per serving estimate)
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Calories: 390
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.
What can I serve with Spinach Stuffed Chicken?
Roasted vegetables, a crisp side salad, or a light cauliflower mash all pair wonderfully.
Can I make Spinach Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the chicken up to a day ahead and bake it when you are ready to serve.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store leftover Spinach Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the filling separate.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION:
Spinach Stuffed Chicken is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy without being fussy. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply feeding your family, it brings a touch of warmth and joy to the table. With tender chicken, creamy spinach, and gooey cheese in every bite, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Description
Growing up, Sunday dinners were a big deal in our house. After a long week of work and school, we would gather around the table to share a comforting homemade meal, often featuring dishes that were both hearty and nourishing. One meal that always made an appearance, especially in the spring when fresh greens were plentiful, was Spinach Stuffed Chicken.
There is something undeniably cozy about biting into a juicy chicken breast filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. In many cultures, stuffing meats is a symbol of abundance and care — taking the time to fill something ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. Spinach Stuffed Chicken holds that same spirit, offering comfort, nutrition, and a bit of elegance all in one bite.
Whether you are looking for a healthier take on a comfort meal or something that will impress guests without the stress, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast by cutting horizontally without going all the way through. This pocket is where the creamy, cheesy spinach filling will go.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this flavorful seasoning blend all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and chopped spinach until well combined. This mixture should be rich and thick, speckled with vibrant green pieces of spinach.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Use a spoon to generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach mixture. Press the filling inside gently and, if needed, secure the opening with toothpicks.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The result? Juicy chicken, melty cheese, and tender spinach all in one stunning bite.
Notes
Feel free to mix in other greens such as kale or arugula if you do not have spinach on hand. Adding a few sun-dried tomatoes to the filling also offers a burst of flavor and color.