Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

If you’re craving something extraordinary, these Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are pure weeknight magic! Succulent chicken breasts are bursting with a luscious, garlicky spinach and cheese filling, transforming an everyday dinner into a crave-worthy, restaurant-caliber meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, Cheesy Perfection: Every bite delivers a dreamy blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and vibrant spinach tucked inside juicy chicken.
  • Ready in Under 40 Minutes: Impress your family with a meal that feels gourmet, but is actually weeknight-easy and quick to prepare.
  • Restaurant-Worthy Results At Home: This dish looks and tastes like something you’d order out, but you made it—no reservations required!
  • Totally Customizable: Swap ingredients or tailor the spice to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs without hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts is how simple the ingredient list is—each component brings a special touch, whether it’s boosting flavor, adding creaminess, or creating that iconic golden finish out of the oven.

  • Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy stuffing and a tender bite every time.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: A little drizzle keeps the chicken moist as it bakes and adds subtle richness.
  • Paprika: This spice not only adds a beautiful color but gives the chicken a hint of warmth and smokiness.
  • Salt (divided): Using salt in both the rub and filling ensures every layer is perfectly seasoned.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry favorites amp up the savory flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
  • Cream cheese (softened): The creamy base for the filling—let it come to room temp so it blends easily!
  • Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the filling, bringing sharpness and a nutty backbone.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds extra silkiness and helps hold everything together in the spinach stuffing.
  • Fresh spinach (chopped): Vibrant color, a touch of earthiness, and loads of nutrition—use baby spinach if you can.
  • Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic delivers those irresistible pops of flavor in every bite of stuffing.
  • Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the filling with a subtle, addictive heat.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

These Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are endlessly adaptable—don’t be afraid to make them your own! Whether you’re switching up cheeses, dialing up the spice, or making the dish keto-friendly, you have delicious options at your fingertips.

  • Cheesy Swap: Try shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or crumbled feta in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
  • Green Goodness: Sub in chopped kale or Swiss chard for the spinach if you want a heartier or more rustic filling.
  • Spice Level: Kick things up a notch with extra red pepper flakes or a smidge of cayenne for fiery stuffed chicken breasts.
  • Keto/Low-Carb: Simply double-check your mayo and cheeses for added sugars—otherwise, this dish is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto!

How to Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken breasts on a sturdy cutting board and drizzle them with your oil of choice, making sure they’re lightly coated and ready to absorb all the delicious seasonings coming up next.

Step 2: Season and Create the Pocket

Mix together paprika, half the salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for good coverage. Then, with a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to slice all the way through—these pockets are where your luscious filling will hide!

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Spinach Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the rest of your salt. Stir everything together until you have a rich, creamy mixture flecked with green and hints of gold.

Step 4: Stuff, Bake, and Enjoy

Using a spoon (or your clean fingers), gently stuff the prepared spinach-cheese mixture evenly into the pockets of each chicken breast. Nestle the breasts into a 9×13-inch baking dish, keeping them seam side up. Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The filling should be bubbly and irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

  • Filling Flavor Burst: Soften your cream cheese fully before mixing to ensure a light, whipped filling that’s easy to spoon and melts beautifully inside the chicken.
  • Pocket Success: When cutting the pocket, use a sharp paring knife and start slow—just a deep, “envelope-style” slice on the thickest side works best for holding all that glorious stuffing.
  • No Spill Bake: Arrange chicken so the open side faces up in the baking dish. This keeps your filling safely inside and creates that tempting golden top after baking.
  • Juicy Every Time: Avoid overbaking—check for doneness at the 25-minute mark; the chicken should reach 165°F and still be wonderfully juicy.

How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add the final finishing touch to your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for contrast and color. A handful of extra Parmesan or a quick zest of lemon over top really brings out the brightness of the spinach and the creaminess of the cheese.

Side Dishes

These chicken breasts are wonderfully rich, so they play well with lighter, fresh sides—think crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli. If you want something a little more comforting, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the stuffed chicken breasts on a slight diagonal and fan the slices on a platter—this reveals the vibrant, colorful filling at the center! Drizzle with a little pan jus or a squeeze of lemon for that chef’s-kiss finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as rewarding as the original meal.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Cool them completely, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For juicy, melty results, reheat the chicken breasts in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through. The microwave will work in a pinch, but you may lose some of that lovely texture—add a splash of broth if reheating this way to keep it moist.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

    Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before mixing it into the filling. This helps keep the filling rich and prevents sogginess.

  2. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

    Make sure you cut the pocket deep but not all the way through, and don’t overstuff. Baking with the seam side up also helps to keep every bit of that delicious filling inside the chicken where it belongs!

  3. What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?

    The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The thickest part of each breast should reach 165°F. You’ll also notice clear, not pink, juices when the chicken is fully cooked.

  4. Can I prepare Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts ahead of time?

    You sure can! Prepare and stuff the breasts, then cover and refrigerate up to one day in advance. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed—perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to make your dinner routine exciting again—give these Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts a try! I guarantee they’ll earn a spot in your regular line-up with their irresistible cheesy filling and juicy chicken. Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t be afraid to put your own twist on this beloved favorite!

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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Breasts:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Spinach Filling:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Prepare chicken: Drizzle oil over chicken breasts. In a small bowl, combine paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season both sides of the chicken with this mixture.
  3. Make filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Stuff chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and fill with the spinach mixture.
  5. Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

Notes

  • Make sure to seal the chicken breasts well after stuffing to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  • Feel free to customize the filling with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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