Print

Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

This Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful spinach and cheese filling. Featuring a blend of fresh baby spinach, garlic, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all seasoned with Italian herbs and zesty lemon, these stuffed chicken breasts are first seared to perfection and then baked for a delicious home-cooked meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided (plus more to taste)
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Filling

  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1 cup thawed, well-drained frozen spinach)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 4 oz (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (to finish)
  • Optional: pinch red pepper flakes
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and a pinch of salt; cook while tossing until just wilted and moisture evaporates, about 1–2 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture if necessary. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to a bowl and cool slightly. Mix in softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until creamy.
  2. Butterfly and season the chicken: Place a hand flat on each chicken breast and carefully slice horizontally to create a deep pocket, stopping about 1/2 inch from the opposite edge. Season the chicken breasts all over and inside the pocket with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  3. Stuff and secure: Divide the prepared spinach and cheese filling evenly among the chicken breasts, tucking the filling fully inside each pocket. Secure the openings with 2–3 toothpicks per breast or tie with short lengths of kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  4. Sear for color: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter. Once hot and foamy, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Spoon some melted pan butter over the tops for extra flavor.
  5. Bake to finish: Transfer the skillet directly to a preheated 400°F oven or move the chicken breasts to a lightly oiled baking dish. Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
  6. Finish & serve: Squeeze 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice over the chicken breasts to brighten the flavors. Slice crosswise to showcase the creamy spinach swirl if serving on a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Spoon pan juices over the chicken and serve with your choice of roasted potatoes, green beans, or a light salad.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, choose chicken breasts that are similar in size.
  • Make sure to not slice all the way through the chicken when butterflying to keep the filling inside.
  • Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to sear and bake in the same pan, minimizing cleanup.
  • Resting the chicken after baking helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
  • You can substitute frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly.
  • Adjust lemon juice and red pepper flakes to taste for additional brightness and heat.

Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, spinach stuffed chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy chicken dinner, cheesy stuffed chicken

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/easy-spinach-stuffed-chicken-breasts-recipe/