Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach & Cream Cheese recipe is a quick, nutritious, and indulgent meal featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, this dish combines simple ingredients for a flavorful and comforting experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Wilt fresh spinach in a hot pan with a splash of olive oil and minced garlic until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix the spinach with softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until well combined for a creamy and flavorful stuffing.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season the outside of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cream cheese mixture generously into each chicken pocket, distributing the filling evenly. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust.
- Bake Until Done: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the filling is hot.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife and steady hand to create chicken pockets without cutting through.
- Squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach to avoid watery filling.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe 165°F internally.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg