How to Make Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cheese and Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with cheese and spinach make for an easy, elegant dinner that can be on your table in under an hour. This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, but is actually quite simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can wow your family with these tasty stuffed chicken breasts packed with flavor.

Overview of Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts are chicken breasts that have been filled or “stuffed” with a mixture of ingredients before being baked Some of the most popular fillings are cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, and ham The chicken is butterflied or slit horizontally before the filling is added, then closed back up and baked until cooked through.

Stuffed chicken is easy to customize by using different fillings, cheeses, herbs and seasonings. It makes for a complete meal when served along with roasted potatoes, rice or pasta and a vegetable side dish. Leftovers also make great sandwiches or salad toppers the next day.

Benefits of Using Cheese and Spinach

There are several reasons why cheese and spinach make an ideal pairing for stuffed chicken breasts

• Cheese adds rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the ingredients together. Popular choices are mozzarella parmesan, feta swiss, cheddar and cream cheese.

• Spinach provides color, nutrition and texture. It wilts down easily when cooked and pairs well with cheese. Fresh or frozen spinach can be used.

• Both cheese and spinach add important vitamins and minerals. This makes the dish more nutritious while keeping it flavorful.

• The cheese helps keep the chicken moist and tender while baking. Spinach does not dry out like some other vegetables when cooked.

• Spinach and cheese complement each other with their salty and rich flavors. They give the chicken a delicious filling.

• Kids are usually fans of both spinach and cheese, making this recipe family-friendly. Even picky eaters will likely enjoy this stuffed chicken.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for making perfect stuffed chicken breasts with cheese and spinach:

Ingredients Needed

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces fresh spinach
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning, salt and pepper

Prepare the Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove pan from heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Add mozzarella and parmesan and mix well. Season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Stuff the Chicken

1. Using a sharp knife, slice chicken breasts horizontally to create a pocket, taking care not to cut all the way through.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Stuff each pocket evenly with the spinach and cheese mixture.
3. Seal the edges with toothpicks if needed so filling stays inside.

Bake the Stuffed Chicken

1. Place stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.
2. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
3. Remove toothpicks and serve chicken warm. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• For easier slicing, place chicken breasts in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until slightly frozen.

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness before stuffing.

• Regular cream cheese, feta or goat cheese works well in place of the cream cheese.

• Try different herb seasonings such as basil, oregano or thyme to change up the flavor.

• If the chicken browns too quickly, tent with foil and finish baking until done.

• An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part.

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier results.

Variations

Some tasty ways to modify this recipe include:

• Using swiss, cheddar, gruyere or feta cheese in place of the mozzarella.

• Adding sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, artichokes or broccoli to the filling.

• Seasoning the chicken with cajun or taco seasoning instead of Italian.

• Topping the chicken with bacon before baking for extra flavor.

• Serving with roasted red pepper or pesto sauce for dipping.

• Using sliced provolone or fresh mozzarella inside for ooey-gooey cheese.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, stuffed chicken can be assembled up to a day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

Can I freeze them?

The stuffed breasts can be frozen in a single layer on a pan before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Cooked stuffed chicken breasts will keep refrigerated 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Chicken thighs can be used but may require slightly longer cooking time than breasts.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Frozen chopped spinach can be used. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess liquid before using.

What if the cheese leaks out?

If cheese filling leaks out while baking, tent chicken with foil. Cheese will still impart flavor as it melts during cooking.

Final Tips

Stuffed chicken breast is elegant yet easy to prepare. Play around with fillings and cheeses to make this recipe your own. Just remember to bake until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Pair it with rice or pasta and veggies for a fast weeknight dinner everyone will love.