Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that instantly elevates your dinner without that complicated fuss. The combination of creamy cheeses, vibrant spinach, and the tangy pop of sun-dried tomatoes nestled inside a juicy chicken breast? Pure comfort food magic. I often pull this recipe out when I want something impressive but still straightforward enough to make on a regular weeknight.
What makes this recipe special is how accessible the ingredients are, yet it feels fancy enough to serve guests or enjoy a cozy meal at home. The blend of three different cheeses melts perfectly, binding all those fresh flavors together, while the sun-dried tomatoes add just the right amount of sweetness and bite. You’ll love how the paprika and herbs season the chicken, tying every bite into a delicious experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe, you want a balance of fresh greens, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and a trio of cheeses that melt beautifully. When shopping, look for good quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they’re the secret to that rich, tangy burst of flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Make sure they’re of even thickness for easier stuffing and cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that make all the flavors pop.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and helping to crisp the chicken just right.
- Spinach: Fresh and roughly chopped, it keeps the filling vibrant and healthy.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the filling with aromatic depth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and chopped, they bring a sweet tanginess that balances the cheese.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing—a luscious base for the filling.
- Shredded mozzarella: Choose a milder cheese that melts silky smooth.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty punch to the mix.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs for that herby goodness.
- Onion powder: A subtle savory boost.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle kick—skip it if you’re sensitive to heat.
Variations
I love switching up this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you can easily make this your own. If you want to lighten it up or try different flavors, here are a few tweaks I’ve enjoyed over time.
- Variation: Swap out the mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangier filling. I tried this once, and it gave the dish a Mediterranean vibe that was irresistible.
- Variation: Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green. Just remember to steam it first to soften those tough leaves.
- Variation: For a gluten-free twist, this recipe is naturally safe as long as you check your sun-dried tomatoes aren’t packed with gluten-containing additives.
- Variation: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pine nuts for crunch. When I did this for a dinner party, the texture contrast was a hit.
- Variation: Spice it up with some smoked paprika instead of regular—gives the chicken a subtle smoky depth.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Filling for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating up a couple of teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped spinach and minced garlic, cooking until the spinach is fully wilted and fragrant—about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s super important not to rush this; you want the spinach to lose its water and the garlic to sweeten but not burn. Once done, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then take the pan off the heat and let it cool just a little before mixing in your softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, dried herbs, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Stuffing
Take your chicken breasts and use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket along the side, being careful not to slice all the way through. This part can be a little intimidating, but I find slow, steady cuts always work best for keeping the meat intact. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds that gentle smoky flavor and a lovely color when seared.
Step 3: Stuff and Secure
Spoon that creamy spinach and cheese filling into each chicken pocket—don’t be shy, you want a good amount in there! If your breasts feel a bit loose or you’re worried the filling might spill out, secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This little trick saved me more than once when I was making this for company.
Step 4: Cook to Juicy Perfection
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet. Carefully place your stuffed chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This two-step cooking method helps lock in moisture and keep the filling perfectly melted inside.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe

Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or basil—those fresh herbs add a pop of color and brighten the creamy filling. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top right before serving also brings everything together. Sometimes, I’ll add a light squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle zing that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple roasted vegetable medley. I often serve it with steamed green beans or asparagus to add some crunch and balance. When I’m feeling a bit indulgent, creamy risotto on the side makes the whole meal feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I love slicing the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to showcase the beautiful filling inside—it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Arranging the slices like a fan over a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or toasted couscous makes for an elegant presentation. You can also serve the chicken whole with colorful roasted veggies stacked on the side for a rustic, hearty look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the chicken cool completely before sealing it up to avoid sogginess. When I reheat, the filling stays creamy and the chicken juicy as long as you heat it gently.
Freezing
I’ve frozen stuffed chicken breasts before, and they freeze wonderfully. Just wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer baking the stuffed chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken moist without drying it out, and the cheese melts back to creamy perfection. Avoid microwaving if you can, as that tends to make the chicken rubbery and the filling unevenly heated.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach for the filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before cooking. Excess moisture can make the filling soggy, so dry spinach helps maintain the right texture.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. When it hits 165°F (74°C), you’re good to go. Alternatively, slice into the chicken to check there’s no pink remaining, but a thermometer is your most foolproof bet.
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Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead or even the day before, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
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What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan are great because they balance creaminess and flavor. Feel free to experiment with other mild melting cheeses like fontina or a sharp cheddar if you want to mix it up.
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Can I bake the stuffed chicken breasts without searing them first?
You can, but searing helps develop flavor and a nice golden crust that baking alone won’t give you. If you’re short on time, just bake at 375°F (190°C) for a bit longer—about 30-35 minutes—but searing is worth the extra step.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to treat myself or impress friends with something that tastes gourmet but comes together without stress. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with flavors that complement each other so well. If you give it a try, I hope you find it as satisfying and reliable as I do—I can almost guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!
Print
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Three Cheeses Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of creamy cheeses seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, this dish combines simple ingredients with gourmet flair for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ⅓ cup Parmesan, grated
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare the filling. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic mixture with sun-dried tomatoes, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to create the filling.
- Prepare the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Stuff the chicken breasts. Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown to lock in juices and add flavor.
- Bake the chicken. Transfer the skillet with seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and plate the stuffed chicken breasts, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella or pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience; fresh provides a creamier texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor, but those packed dry can be rehydrated before use.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh basil or parsley as garnish before serving.
- Leftover stuffed chicken breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Stuffed Chicken Breast, Spinach Stuffed Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Italian Chicken Breast, Baked Chicken