Description
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and garlic. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then pan-cooked to perfection in olive oil, this dish offers a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, and minced garlic. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, evenly blended filling.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each boneless, skinless chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. This pocket will hold the spinach and cheese filling.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon an equal amount of the prepared cheese and spinach filling into each chicken breast pocket, then gently press the opening closed to contain the filling.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the outside of each stuffed chicken breast to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps the filling creamy and delicious.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to carefully make the pocket for the filling to avoid cutting through the chicken breast entirely.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and prevent lumps.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Feel free to add additional herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor in the filling.
- Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Cheesy spinach stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, creamy chicken recipe, spinach chicken, easy stuffed chicken