This easy spinach stuffed chicken is a tasty and healthy dish. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with creamy spinach and cheese, making every bite delicious!
Whenever I make this, everyone is impressed. It looks fancy but is super simple to prepare. Pair it with a salad, and you’ve got a lovely meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, though they have a slightly different texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for a vibrant flavor. If you only have frozen spinach, use it! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the stuffing.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead. It will change the taste slightly but still provides nice creaminess.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add great flavors. If you don’t have them, feel free to use any cheese you like. Cheddar or feta could be fun choices!
Herbs and Seasoning: Dried Italian seasoning gives a lovely taste. If you prefer fresh herbs like basil or oregano, use them for more vibrant flavor.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Breasts Stay Juicy?
Keeping chicken moist can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Don’t overcook. Once the chicken is seared and baked, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Consider marinating the chicken beforehand. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic can add flavor and moisture.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully juicy chicken every time!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook, adding up to a total of about 40 minutes. It makes for a quick and easy dinner option that’s flavorful and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake the chicken.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed and nice and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side. Be gentle; you don’t want to cut all the way through. This is where you’ll stuff the delicious filling!
4. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Take a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling and stuff each chicken breast. Make sure it’s packed in there well so all that flavor is inside!
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning over the outside of the chicken breasts. This adds flavor to the outside as it cooks.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy spinach stuffed chicken breasts! They make for a great dinner and are sure to impress!
FAQ for Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture. This will help keep the filling from being watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use non-dairy cheeses. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor if you need that extra touch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a few minutes.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this dish up to a day ahead! Stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if they’re chilled from the fridge.
