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To make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken, gather the following ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided - Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. The chicken serves as a tender canvas for the rich and creamy filling. Fresh spinach adds a healthy touch, while the cheeses provide a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Garlic and onion powder enhance the flavors, making each bite a joy. You can choose to add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice if you like. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Always try to source fresh spinach and good-quality cheese. This ensures your dish stands out. Enjoy preparing these ingredients, as they will lead to a meal you'll want to share with family and friends. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key for even cooking. A hot oven helps the chicken cook well and stay juicy. In a bowl, mix together chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add minced garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until creamy and smooth. Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Butterfly it by slicing it horizontally, but do not cut all the way through. This creates a pocket to hold the filling. Fill each chicken pocket with the spinach and cheese mix. Be generous! If needed, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the pocket. This keeps the filling inside while cooking. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the outside of each stuffed chicken breast. Drizzle olive oil for flavor. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. You're looking for a nice golden brown crust. After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This keeps it juicy. Remove any toothpicks or twine. Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs on top for color and taste. To get the best filling, mix your ingredients well. You want a creamy blend. Start with softened cream cheese. Then, add the chopped spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix in minced garlic and onion powder. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Always season with salt and pepper. The right texture makes a big difference. It should hold together but still be spreadable. To keep your chicken moist, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Chicken is done at 165°F (75°C). Also, let it rest after baking. This helps the juices settle back in. Searing the chicken first adds flavor and locks in moisture. Remember to drizzle olive oil before cooking. This small step helps a lot. You can change how you cook this dish. Try grilling the stuffed chicken for a smoky flavor. Just be careful not to let the filling spill out. Air frying is another option. It cooks fast and makes the chicken crispy. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 20 minutes. These methods can add fun twists to your meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Always opt for fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture in your stuffing. It will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Butterfly Carefully: When butterflying the chicken, take your time to ensure the pocket is deep enough to hold the filling without breaking through the other side. Secure the Filling: If you're worried about the filling leaking out, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings after stuffing the chicken breasts. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy and tender. {{image_4}} You can use many types of cheese for your filling. For a creamier texture, try using ricotta or goat cheese. If you want a sharper taste, consider cheddar or blue cheese. For those who prefer vegan options, use cashew cheese or tofu cream cheese. These substitutes keep the dish creamy while being plant-based. While spinach is great, you can swap it for other leafy greens. Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens work well. These greens add unique flavors and nutrients. Just remember to chop them finely for easy stuffing. Adding herbs and spices can really enhance the taste. Consider using basil, thyme, or oregano for a fresh twist. If you enjoy heat, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices can make your dish pop and keep it exciting. To keep your cheesy spinach stuffed chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them right away to prevent bacteria. The stuffed chicken lasts for 3-4 days in the fridge. Before eating, check for any off smells or colors to ensure it's still good. You can freeze stuffed chicken for later. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, move the chicken to the fridge to thaw overnight. If you need it faster, thaw it in cold water for about an hour. Always reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. Enjoy that cheesy goodness again! Yes, you can prep the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken ahead. Here’s how: - Prepare the filling: Mix the spinach, cream cheese, and cheeses in advance. - Stuff the chicken: Fill the chicken breasts and secure them. - Store: Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge. - Cook later: You can bake them the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Pairing sides enhances your meal. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread: A classic choice that everyone loves. - Roasted veggies: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and flavor. - Simple salad: A fresh green salad with light dressing complements the dish. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the flavors nicely. Check the internal temperature for safety. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches: - 165°F (75°C): This is the safe cooking temperature for chicken. - Juices run clear: If you cut into the chicken, the juices should not be pink. Yes, frozen spinach works well too. Here’s what to consider: - Thaw and drain: Make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out extra water. - Flavor adjustment: Frozen spinach may have a milder taste, so adjust seasoning as needed. - Same filling process: Use it the same way as fresh in your filling mix. This blog post guides you through making cheesy spinach stuffed chicken. You learned about the needed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to ensure success. Remember to preheat your oven and secure your chicken well. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and greens for variety. Follow proper storage methods to enjoy leftovers later. With these tips, your dish will impress every time. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach and cheeses, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • as needed Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place each chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Butterfly each breast by slicing it horizontally, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
  • Generously fill each chicken pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary.
  • Lightly sprinkle the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
  • In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Remove any toothpicks or twine used for securing the filling.
  • Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more spices or herbs to the filling for extra flavor.
Keyword cheese, chicken, spinach, stuffed chicken