Looking for a delicious and impressive meal to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than this Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe! Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese creates a rich and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time for a convenient and delicious meal prep option.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean and protein-packed base for the filling.
- Olive oil: Used for both making the seasoning blend and sautéing the spinach.
- Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the spinach filling.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture to the filling.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cooked spinach mixture.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Helpful Tips:
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts closed while baking.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with a side of roasted vegetables and a crisp green salad. Pair with a glass of Chardonnay for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before using.
- Can I grill the stuffed chicken breasts instead of baking? Yes, just make sure to cook them over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through.
- Can I make the spinach filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts just before baking.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta or provolone for a unique twist.
Conclusion:
Impress your family and friends with this delicious Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. With its flavorful filling and juicy chicken, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Chicken
- Method: Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 2 pounds – of 4 equally sized pieces
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (2 tablespoons to make the seasoning blend and 1 tablespoon for sauteing the spinach)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 cup yellow onion, small diced
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, approximately 3 cups
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the seasoning blend over the chicken breasts.
4. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
5. Add minced garlic and baby spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
7. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach mixture.
8. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sear the chicken breasts on both sides.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– To add a crispy texture, you can top the chicken breasts with breadcrumbs before baking.
– For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 400-450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg