Baked Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast – Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

• Dietary Badges: Low Carb, High Protein, Family-Friendly

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper

• Fresh spinach, chopped

• Cream cheese, softened

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Mayonnaise

• Italian seasoning

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Heat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Prepare Chicken – Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.

3. Make Filling – In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Stuff Chicken – Spoon filling into each pocket; secure with toothpicks.

5. Season Outside – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Bake – Place in the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

7. Rest & Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Notes

• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling for extra flavor.

• Use fresh garden herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for brightness.

Introduction

Baked Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is secretly simple to pull together. Juicy chicken wraps around a creamy, cheesy spinach filling that’s seasoned to perfection. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that also looks elegant enough for guests.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep & Slice
Start by cutting a pocket into each chicken breast—go slowly to avoid cutting through.

2. Mix the Filling
Combine spinach, cheeses, mayonnaise, and seasonings until smooth and evenly blended.

3. Stuff & Secure
Fill each chicken breast generously, then secure with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.

4. Season the Exterior
Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and golden.

6. Rest & Slice
Allow the chicken to rest before serving so the juices stay inside.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

• Chicken: Large, thick breasts work best for holding the filling.

• Spinach: Fresh is ideal, but frozen spinach (thawed & squeezed dry) can be used.

• Cheese: Parmesan for salty bite, mozzarella for stretch, cream cheese for richness.

• Seasoning: Italian seasoning blends herbs for a classic flavor profile.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers.

• Herb Garden Special: Use basil, parsley, or dill for a fresher taste.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

• Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Storage & Make-Ahead Info

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze raw stuffed chicken in an airtight container up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) to maintain juiciness.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble stuffed chicken in the morning, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

FAQs

Q: Can I grill instead of bake?
A: Yes—grill over indirect heat until chicken is fully cooked.

Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A: Mascarpone or ricotta work well for a similar creamy texture.

Q: How do I keep the filling from leaking?
A: Use toothpicks and avoid overstuffing the chicken.

Personal Note

This is one of my go-to “impress without stress” recipes. The filling is so rich and flavorful, and the chicken stays wonderfully juicy. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—perfect for making your own with whatever you have in the fridge.

Do you want me to also go back and standardize all your previous chicken recipes so they follow this exact formatting for your full collection? That way, every post will look consistent and polished.