Description
This delicious Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach mixture and baked to perfection. Finished with a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce, it makes for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spinach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce (Optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Make the Spinach Filling: In a skillet, sauté the minced garlic in a small amount of olive oil or butter over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, or add drained frozen spinach and heat through. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes, then mix in softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, nutmeg (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken: Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, securing with toothpicks if needed. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce (Optional): In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, butter, and garlic powder. Stir frequently and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour the sauce over the baked chicken before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove toothpicks if used and slice the stuffed chicken breasts for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure frozen spinach is thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Butterflying the chicken breasts properly creates enough space for stuffing without tearing the meat.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- The sauce is optional but adds a rich, flavorful finishing touch.
