Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dinner option that’s sure to impress your family or guests. The combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts and a creamy, savory spinach filling creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The stuffed chicken is seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices, and the rich filling, made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh spinach, takes the dish to the next level. Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

This dish is versatile enough to pair with various sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together the richness of cream cheese with the freshness of spinach, making it a great way to enjoy leafy greens. Plus, it’s a hit among both adults and kids, making it an ideal family dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor-Packed Filling

The creamy spinach filling made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic is rich and flavorful, giving the chicken a deliciously savory kick.

2. Quick and Easy

Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is relatively simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick but satisfying meal.

3. Healthy Greens

With fresh spinach in the filling, you get a good dose of healthy greens. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your diet without compromising on taste.

4. Juicy Chicken

The chicken breasts stay tender and juicy as they bake, especially when stuffed with a flavorful mixture, ensuring each bite is delicious.

5. Customizable

This recipe is easy to customize. You can add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or even bacon to the filling for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Variations

• Add Cheese: For a cheesier filling, you can add mozzarella or feta to the spinach mixture.
• Herb Options: Add fresh or dried herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano for more flavor in the stuffing.
• Bacon: Crumbled bacon or pancetta can be added to the spinach mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
• Spicy Spinach Stuffing: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the stuffing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in the center of each chicken breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through the chicken. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Spinach Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped spinach, red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach filling, making sure to pack the filling in evenly. Secure the opening of the chicken with toothpicks to keep the stuffing in place while cooking.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil or avocado oil. Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt over the chicken breasts.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the toothpicks and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts, as the filling can spill out during cooking. Aim for a moderate amount of filling per breast.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking so that the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

Serve the Spinach Stuffed Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also pair it with a creamy sauce like a garlic butter sauce or a light vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooked stuffed chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken breasts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. You can also microwave it for 2-3 minutes, but the texture may not be as optimal as reheating in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and stuff it in advance, then refrigerate it until ready to cook. When ready, just bake it as instructed.

Can I use frozen spinach?

You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain out any excess water before adding it to the filling.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan cheese substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the stuffed chicken. Be sure to cook it on medium heat and monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with more cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a different texture.

How do I keep the filling from spilling out?

Secure the chicken with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while baking. Also, avoid overstuffing the chicken.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for added flavor.

How do I serve this dish for a crowd?

You can easily scale the recipe by increasing the number of chicken breasts and adjusting the stuffing ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that combines the goodness of tender chicken and creamy, savory spinach filling. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, delicious flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.

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