If you’re looking for a meal that’s both flavorful and impressive, these Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the answer. With a tender chicken breast filled with a savory combination of creamy cheese, spinach, and herbs, it’s the perfect dinner for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The stuffing is rich and flavorful, while the chicken remains juicy and tender, making every bite something to savor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These stuffed chicken breasts are an absolute winner when it comes to combining flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy stuffing blends perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a delicious contrast that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The best part? It’s an easy dish to prepare but looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant. Whether you’re serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at the main ingredients for the recipe. You can find the full list further down!
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Fresh spinach
- Cream cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh herbs (like basil and parsley)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the spinach and cook until wilted. Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach with the cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and stuff them generously with the creamy spinach mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside while cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a bit more olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This will give the chicken a nice crispy exterior.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be melted, and the chicken should be cooked through.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once your chicken breasts are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. Slice them up, and you’re ready to serve!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts. If you add too much filling, it may spill out during cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the stuffing.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the chicken breasts during the last few minutes of baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or arugula for a slightly different flavor.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese in place of the regular ones.
- Add a little heat to the stuffing with some red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These stuffed chicken breasts pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a simple side salad, or mashed potatoes. You could also serve them with a light pasta or rice for a more substantial meal. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the chicken adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the richness of the stuffing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the quick-thaw method by placing them in a sealed bag under cold water. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), it’s ready to serve. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and stuff it the night before. Just store it in the fridge and bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
These Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and a savory herbed filling, this dish is sure to be a new family favorite. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a hearty, delicious dinner that feels like a treat!
PrintDelicious Stuffed Chicken Breast
These stuffed chicken breasts are a flavorful and impressive meal with creamy cheese, spinach, and herbs stuffed inside tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz cream cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Stuffing: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let it cool slightly, then mix with cream cheese, mozzarella, and herbs.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear the stuffed chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Don’t overstuff the chicken to avoid spilling.
- Use frozen spinach if needed, but squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
- Add extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesier crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg