Crispy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe That Kids Will Love

Tender chicken breasts become a culinary canvas for vibrant spinach stuffed chicken recipe magic.

The combination of juicy meat and creamy filling creates an irresistible meal that sings with flavor.

Wholesome spinach brings a nutritious punch to this elegant dish.

Melted cheese weaves through fresh greens, creating pockets of deliciousness in each bite.

Simple ingredients merge into a restaurant-worthy entree that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will adore this straightforward yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for people watching their diet?

The spinach filling adds nutritional value with vitamins and minerals, while the chicken provides lean protein. It’s a balanced meal that can fit into many healthy eating plans.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before mixing it into the filling to prevent a watery mixture.

• What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. These alternatives will provide similar creaminess and help bind the filling ingredients together.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

Reasons to Try Spinach Stuffed Chicken

• Packed with a vibrant blend of cream cheese, spinach, and aromatic spices, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up this gourmet-style dish without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this spinach-stuffed chicken appeals to both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers, making it a versatile meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
• Sneaking in nutrient-rich spinach alongside protein-packed chicken creates a balanced dish that feels luxurious while still offering a healthy twist on classic comfort food.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Large, boneless cuts perfect for stuffing and creating a delicious main dish.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy and rich base for the spinach stuffing.
• Spinach: Adds nutrition, color, and a fresh green element to the chicken filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil, Avocado Oil: Helps to coat and moisten the chicken while promoting even cooking.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates a flavorful spice blend to season the chicken exterior.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the filling ingredients together.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and slight kick to the spinach mixture.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces a robust, aromatic flavor to the stuffing.

How to Cook Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and have it ready for the chicken.

The oven needs time to warm up completely before cooking begins.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.

• Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Drizzle chicken with olive or avocado oil.

Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Create Chicken Pockets

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast.

Move slowly and carefully to avoid cutting completely through the meat.

The pocket should be deep enough to hold the filling but keep the chicken intact.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Chopped spinach
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Remaining salt

Mix all ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated filling.

Step 5: Stuff the Chicken

Carefully spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket.

Distribute the filling evenly, ensuring each piece gets a good amount of stuffing.

Press gently to seal the filling inside.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Transfer stuffed chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.

Place uncovered in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.

The kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma as the chicken bakes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from the oven.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Tips

• Opt for fresh, crisp spinach instead of frozen for a more vibrant and textural filling that elevates the overall dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, preventing any risk of undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
• Adjust salt and red pepper flakes according to personal taste preferences, keeping the flavor profile balanced and not overwhelming.
• Use a sharp knife and steady hand when cutting chicken pockets to ensure even stuffing distribution and prevent accidental tears.
• If cream cheese seems too soft, refrigerate the filling mixture briefly to help it hold shape better during stuffing and baking.

Keep Spinach Stuffed Chicken Fresh

• Store cooled spinach stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and food safety.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the stuffing is completely covered to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and reaching the safe internal temperature.

Sides for Spinach Stuffed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy spinach filling with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Create a perfect side that mirrors the herb-forward profile of the stuffed chicken, adding a tender green vegetable with complementary garlic notes.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Develop a light, protein-packed accompaniment that absorbs the chicken's juices and provides a nutty counterpoint to the creamy spinach filling.
• Pour Sparkling Mineral Water with Lemon: Refresh the palate with a zesty, light beverage that cleanses between bites and highlights the dish's Mediterranean-inspired seasoning profile.

Stuffed Chicken Variations with Spinach

• Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace regular cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Use gluten-free spices and check all ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten.
• Low-Carb Spinach Chicken: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrate content. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor profile without increasing carbs.
• Dairy-Free Spinach Chicken: Substitute cream cheese with mashed avocado or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain creamy texture and add nutritional value.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use full-fat cream cheese and increase herb quantities. Replace red pepper flakes with crushed pork rinds for added crunch and eliminate any higher-carb ingredients.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Spinach Stuffed Chicken emerges as a savory masterpiece blending tender chicken with creamy spinach filling. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance across each bite, promising a gourmet experience you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts

Stuffing Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Seasoning and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and coat with olive oil, ensuring an even surface for seasoning.
3. Create a spice blend using paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, thoroughly seasoning both sides of the chicken.
4. Carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, maintaining structural integrity and avoiding cutting completely through.
5. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt until uniformly combined.
6. Meticulously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach mixture, distributing evenly to ensure consistent flavor throughout.
7. Arrange stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, positioning them without overcrowding.
8. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken is fully cooked and internal juices appear clear and transparent.
9. Remove from oven and allow a brief resting period of 3-5 minutes before serving to help retain moisture and enhance flavor profile.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts carefully to create even pockets without cutting through completely, ensuring uniform stuffing distribution.
• Mix cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, easier blending with other filling ingredients, preventing lumpy texture.
• Drain spinach thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy filling and maintaining optimal consistency.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative for those watching calorie intake, without compromising the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg