Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spices. Baked to juicy perfection and seasoned with paprika and garlic, it’s a delicious and satisfying main dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
Spinach Filling
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this seasoning mixture aside for later use.
- Cook spinach filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool.
- Prepare filling mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, the cooked spinach, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Season them evenly with the paprika and garlic powder seasoning mix.
- Create pockets in chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit through the thickest part of each chicken breast to form a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff chicken: Spoon the prepared spinach and cheese filling into each chicken breast pocket, distributing evenly among all breasts.
- Arrange and oil chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top to keep them moist during baking.
- Bake chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful spinach stuffed chicken breasts warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts to keep the filling secure.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Using fresh spinach is recommended for best flavor, but you can use frozen spinach if well-drained.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F to ensure safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
