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Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach

stuffed chicken breast with spinach - featured image

This easy stuffed chicken breast with spinach is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, garlicky spinach and cheese mixture, then seared and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each breast, leaving about 1/2-inch on each side.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well blended.
  5. Carefully spoon the spinach filling into each chicken pocket, dividing evenly. Secure the opening with 2–3 toothpicks per breast.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts, top side down.
  8. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  10. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overstuff the chicken to prevent filling from spilling out. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much water as possible. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and cheese. Let the chicken rest after baking for juicier results. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

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