Spinach Stuffed Chicken: A Cozy Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners
On chilly evenings when the air fills with nostalgia, nothing feels more comforting than stepping into the kitchen to whip up a warm, delicious meal. One of my favorite go-to recipes, especially when I want to impress without spending hours, is Spinach Stuffed Chicken. This heartwarming dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter danced through the air as we gathered around the table.
Imagine brilliantly golden chicken breasts, tender and juicy, stuffed with a creamy filling of fresh spinach and luscious cheeses. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, providing that warmth and satisfaction we all crave as the days grow shorter and the nights become brisk. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without the fuss.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will be excited to dig into this flavorful stuffed chicken!
- Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich filling that comforts the soul.
- Versatile: Simple enough to customize or dress up for a special occasion!
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepping it in advance allows you to enjoy hassle-free evenings with your loved ones.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Spinach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast to create space for the delicious filling. Then, brush the chicken with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the vibrant green spinach is distributed evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the rich filling into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring you get enough in there for maximum flavor! If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep everything together during baking.
Bake: Place the chicken in the prepared dish and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is slightly golden.
Rest & Serve: Allow the stuffed chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute. Serve it up warm and watch as everyone enjoys every last bite!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Lemon Spinach: Add a zesty twist by mixing in some lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the filling for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic touch that elevates this cozy dish.
- Bacon Bliss: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some crumbled turkey bacon into the filling for a deliciously indulgent crunch!
- Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a Mediterranean flair, mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling – their tangy sweetness pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffed chicken a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight and saves time on a busy weeknight!
- Ingredient Swaps: Try substituting the spinach with other greens like kale or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest properly before slicing to avoid losing all those lovely juices. When you do slice, cut diagonally for an impressive presentation!
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 29g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 590mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! As mentioned, prepare the chicken and filling in advance. Just bake when you’re ready!
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite cheeses or vibrant veggies.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for about 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe embodies comfort, flavor, and memories shared around the dinner table. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels special, combining simple ingredients to create heartwarming results. Whether you enjoy it for a cozy family meal or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints.
Save this Spinach Stuffed Chicken to your cozy meal board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat!
Print
Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy and delicious weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach filling and melted cheeses.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spoon the filling into each chicken breast pocket and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the chicken in the baking dish and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Consider adding lemon zest, fresh herbs, or crumbled bacon to the filling for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken, spinach, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food