Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach & Cheese is a classic, elegant dish that turns simple chicken breasts into a flavorful and impressive meal. Tender chicken is filled with a creamy, savory mixture of spinach and cheese, then cooked until juicy on the inside and lightly golden on the outside.
This recipe is popular in many home kitchens because it feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of lean protein, leafy greens, and rich cheese creates a perfectly balanced dish that is both wholesome and indulgent.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-style results with minimal effort. The creamy spinach and cheese filling keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, while the outside cooks to a beautiful golden finish. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive on the plate but doesn’t require complicated techniques. I also enjoy how adaptable it is—you can change the cheeses or seasonings and still get a delicious result every time.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This is a must-try dish because it transforms everyday chicken breasts into something exciting and satisfying. It’s perfect for anyone who finds plain chicken boring and wants more flavor without deep frying or heavy sauces. The recipe works well for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, and it pairs easily with a wide range of side dishes.
Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Approximate Calories: 380–420 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International / Western
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Cooking Directions
Prepare the spinach and cheese filling, stuff it into the chicken breasts, sear for color, and finish cooking until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 3: Heat a small pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add minced garlic and chopped spinach and cook until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Step 6: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Step 7: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach & Cheese hot, sliced or whole. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad. A light drizzle of pan juices or a simple cream sauce can be added for extra richness.
Recipe Tips
- Use a sharp knife to create clean pockets in the chicken breasts.
- Do not overfill the chicken to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
Variations
Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a tangy flavor.
Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella.
Mushroom Spinach Filling: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms with the spinach for extra depth.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped green chilies to the filling.
Herb and Cheese Version: Mix fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the cheese filling.
Freezing and Storage Time
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze cooked and cooled stuffed chicken breasts for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in a covered pan until heated through.
Special Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Small frying pan
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Conclusion
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach & Cheese is a flavorful, satisfying dish that elevates simple chicken into something truly special. With its creamy filling, juicy texture, and versatile serving options, it’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a trusted favorite in your kitchen.
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach & Cheese
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach & Cheese is a classic, elegant dish that turns simple chicken breasts into a flavorful and impressive meal. Tender chicken is filled with a creamy, savory mixture of spinach and cheese, then cooked until juicy on the inside and lightly golden on the outside.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
-
Step 2: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
-
Step 3: Heat a small pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add minced garlic and chopped spinach and cook until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
-
Step 4: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
-
Step 5: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
-
Step 6: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
-
Step 7: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
-
Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
-
Step 9: Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
