Name: Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); ¼ cup grated Parmesan; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Introduction

Spinach stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, flavorful spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to juicy perfection. This recipe is simple yet impressive, ideal for home cooks looking to elevate their dinner.

Three pieces of cooked spinach stuffed chicken breasts sit close together inside a white baking dish. Each chicken breast is cut and filled with a thick layer of creamy spinach mixture that is light green with bits of darker green spinach leaves visible. The outside of the chicken is golden with a slightly crispy texture and some browned spots. The baking dish has a shiny layer of orange-brown oil pooled around the chicken. The photo is taken from the side, showing the inside filling clearly. The background around the dish is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (divided)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with olive or avocado oil.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Set the chicken aside.
Step 5: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
Step 6: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast.
Step 7: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the stuffing mixture.
Use frozen chopped spinach; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the filling from becoming watery.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a stuffed calzone with two distinct layers: the golden-brown, crispy outer dough on the top and bottom, showing some darker toasted spots, and the creamy, cheesy spinach filling packed in the middle, with visible green spinach leaves mixed with white cheese. A silver fork rests to the right side of the calzone on the plate. In the background, there is another white plate with a slice of the same calzone showing the cross-section of the layers, and a white baking dish with more calzones inside. A blue and white cloth is partly visible on the lower right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the filling from becoming watery.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a knife, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.