Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, seasoned with garlic and paprika, then seared and baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful, low-carb, gluten-free main course that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Stuffing
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare seasoning: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
- Butterfly and season the chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through to butterfly them. Season both sides of each breast evenly with the prepared spice mix.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Stuff and secure the chicken breasts: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the chicken closed and secure it using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the oven-safe skillet with the seared chicken breasts directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing toothpicks or twine. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach—just thaw completely and squeeze out the excess moisture before mixing to avoid watery filling.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
