Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a rich and creamy blend of spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, this high-protein, low-carb meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re following a keto-friendly diet or just looking for a satisfying meal, this stuffed chicken recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Flavorful – The cream cheese and Parmesan filling make every bite rich and delicious.
- Healthy & Low-Carb – A keto-friendly, high-protein meal that fits into a balanced diet.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a great weeknight dinner.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the filling with different cheeses or veggies.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, spinach, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling in place.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Cheese Swap – Use mozzarella, feta, or cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Add More Veggies – Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Spicy Kick – Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Air Fryer Method – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.
2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes! Sear the stuffed chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, then cover and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to secure the chicken or sear the edges in a pan before baking.
4. What side dishes go well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad pair well with this meal.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
8. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and stuff the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate it until ready to bake.
9. What’s the best way to reheat stuffed chicken without drying it out?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil to retain moisture.
10. Can I add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping?
Yes! Sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs over the top before baking for extra texture.
Conclusion
Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal. With a creamy, cheesy filling and juicy, tender chicken, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a delicious and easy dinner, this dish is a must-try. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal!
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, this low-carb, high-protein meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re following a keto-friendly diet or just looking for a satisfying meal, this stuffed chicken recipe is a must-try!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bake: Place stuffed chicken in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, feta, or cheddar instead of Parmesan.
- Add More Veggies: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American