Looking to take your dinner game up a notch? This Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is just what you need. Packed with flavor, tender chicken, and a mouthwatering stuffing, this dish is perfect for everything from a cozy family dinner to impressing guests on special occasions. Think juicy, seasoned chicken breasts filled with creamy cheese, savory spinach, and a hint of garlic—this recipe has it all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a well-balanced, flavorful meal. The chicken stays moist and tender on the outside, while the stuffing provides a rich, creamy texture and savory taste on the inside. Plus, it’s an all-in-one dish—protein and veggies all in one!
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is how customizable it is. You can switch up the stuffing to suit your personal preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish always feels special.
You’ll find the full list of ingredients at the end of the post, but here’s a sneak peek: chicken breasts, cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and a touch of seasoning.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Full list of ingredients can be found below in the recipe card.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Step 2: Create a Pocket in the Chicken
Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally (but not all the way through), creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure to leave enough space around the edges so the stuffing doesn’t spill out. This is where all the flavor goes, so make sure the pocket is deep enough to hold a generous amount of stuffing.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, onion powder, Parmesan, and fresh parsley (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined, and the stuffing is creamy.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Take a generous amount of the stuffing and carefully stuff it inside each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breast and keep the stuffing inside during cooking. If the stuffing oozes a little bit, don’t worry—it just adds to the flavor!
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. This step locks in all the flavors and juices, giving the chicken a nice, crispy exterior.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside. The stuffing will melt and become bubbly, and the chicken will be perfectly cooked through.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Secure the edges: Make sure to really seal the chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the stuffing from leaking out during cooking.
- Add extra flavor: Feel free to add other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to your stuffing for more flavor and texture.
- Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. They’re slightly juicier and more flavorful but require the same cooking process.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken and stuffing earlier in the day, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or hosting.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan/Vegetarian version: Swap out the cream cheese and mozzarella for plant-based cheese options, and use mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.
- Different herbs: Swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Meat options: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use turkey or pork chops instead. Just adjust the cooking times to suit the meat you’re using.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Stuffed chicken breast is great served with a variety of side dishes. For a well-rounded meal, try pairing it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The rich, cheesy filling also goes wonderfully with some simple pasta or a side of garlic bread. You could even drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet and tangy finishing touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.
If you want to freeze the stuffed chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this stuffed chicken breast recipe without spinach?
Yes, you can replace the spinach with other greens like kale or arugula, or even skip it altogether for a different stuffing flavor. - Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. Just be sure to bake them when you’re ready! - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be considered fully cooked. - Can I use a different type of cheese in the stuffing?
Definitely! You can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or feta for different flavors. Just keep in mind that some cheeses might melt differently.
Conclusion
This Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. With a creamy, cheesy spinach filling and juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special celebration. So, why not treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this incredible stuffed chicken tonight? You won’t regret it!
Print
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
A juicy and tender chicken breast filled with creamy cheese, savory spinach, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests with a deliciously flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. -
Create a Pocket in the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure to leave enough space around the edges so the stuffing doesn’t spill out. -
Make the Stuffing:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, onion powder, Parmesan, and fresh parsley (if using). Mix until well combined and creamy. -
Stuff the Chicken:
Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the stuffing, using toothpicks to secure the edges and keep the stuffing inside. -
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. -
Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside. -
Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing. This helps the juices redistribute.
Notes
- You can make the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to stuff the chicken.
- Try adding other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is securely sealed with toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from leaking out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg