Spinach stuffed chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for any meal. It features boneless chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. This combination creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, spinach stuffed chicken is sure to impress. It's a great way to add more greens to your diet while enjoying a tasty and nutritious dish.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works so well because it combines simple ingredients to create a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious. The creamy filling made from spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella melts beautifully inside the chicken, making every bite rich and satisfying. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
You should make this recipe because it’s versatile and easy to prepare. It requires only a few steps to stuff and cook the chicken, and it can be paired with a variety of sides to suit any meal. The result is a juicy, tender chicken breast with a delicious, cheesy spinach filling that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts - Boneless and skinless, these are the base of the dish. You can use turkey breasts as a substitute.
Spinach - Fresh or frozen, it adds a nutritious and flavorful stuffing. Kale can be used as an alternative.
Cream Cheese - Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
Garlic - Enhances the flavor of the stuffing with a fragrant aroma. Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable.
Mozzarella Cheese - Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, cheesy element. Cheddar or Swiss cheese can be used instead.
Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for easier stuffing and even cooking.
- Squeeze excess water from the spinach to prevent a watery filling.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts if they don't stay closed.
- Sear the chicken in a hot pan before baking for a crispy exterior.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain the juices.
How to Serve
Spinach stuffed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. It's a great main course for family dinners or special occasions, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal. You can pair it with simple side dishes to let the flavors of the chicken shine.
- Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty, balanced meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad and a light vinaigrette for a healthier option.
- Serve over a bed of rice or pasta with a drizzle of the pan juices for a comforting and complete dish.
Similar Recipes
Porchetta (Italian Pork Roast)
Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, minced garlic, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
• Squeeze excess water from the spinach to prevent a watery filling.
• Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts if they don't stay closed.
• Sear the chicken in a hot pan before baking for a crispy exterior.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain the juices.