Looking for a healthy chicken dinner that’s both impressive and easy? Who isn’t, right? This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a weeknight winner, perfect for busy folks who crave flavor without the fuss. It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night. We’re talking juicy, tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese filling pure comfort food! This recipe is also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, creating a whole new meal in minutes.
Top Reasons To Make It
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a keeper for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with your favorite side dish, from roasted veggies to a simple salad. Second, it’s make-ahead friendly. Prepare the filling and stuff the chicken ahead of time, then bake when you’re ready. And finally, let’s be honest: the creamy spinach filling inside that perfectly cooked chicken breast is just so, so good. So good.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: We need these for the main event.
- Fresh spinach: This gives the filling its delicious heartiness.
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and that creamy texture we love.
- Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty bite.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic!
- Onion: Builds flavor and adds a bit of sweetness.
- Smoked turkey: Gives a smoky depth of flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar: A touch of tang to balance the richness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and keeping things healthy.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance the flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch for a little warmth.
Get ready to gather your ingredients! Below, you’ll find the exact measurements you’ll need for this recipe. Let’s start cooking.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, get started on the creamy spinach filling.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the smoked turkey, cooking until lightly browned.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally almost all the way through. Open them up like a book. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Spoon the creamy spinach filling onto each chicken breast, dividing it evenly. Fold the chicken over the filling to enclose it. (Toothpicks can keep the filling securely inside if needed!)
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Creamy Spinach Filling Tips
Here are a few tips to make your spinach filling even more amazing:
- Don’t overcook the spinach. You want it wilted but still vibrant green.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling.
- If you like a richer flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Gruyere or mozzarella cheese.
- Add a dash of nutmeg for warmth and extra depth.
- For a fun, Tex-Mex twist, add a pinch of cumin and chili powder to the filling. Yummy!
Best Side Dishes To Serve
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe pairs perfectly with so many sides! Roasted asparagus, mashed sweet potatoes, quinoa – take your pick! Roasted root vegetables are a personal favorite, especially during the fall and winter months. A light and simple salad also makes a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Variations & Substitutions
For a lower-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. If you don’t have smoked turkey on hand, you can substitute diced mushrooms or bell peppers. You could also add sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a burst of flavor. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Spinach Stuffed Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the spinach filling ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day you plan to serve this perfect tender chicken breast recipe.
What’s the best way to achieve a perfectly cooked chicken breast? Use a meat thermometer. It’s the foolproof method for ensuring that your chicken is cooked through but not dry. This dish relies on a flawlessly cooked, perfectly cooked chicken breast for optimal enjoyment. Looking for other amazing breast recipe? Check out more from my page!
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a true weeknight game-changer. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying—what more could you want? Grab those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a wholesome and delicious healthy chicken dinner! If looking for more Breast Recipe, spinach stuffed chicken recipes or simply a creamy spinach variation to your chicken dinner routine, check out other recipes.
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Juicy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are juicy, flavorful, and filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests—it’s comfort food that feels fancy without the fuss.
Ingredients
▢ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
▢ ½ onion, finely chopped
▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced
▢ ½ cup chopped smoked turkey
▢ 3 cups fresh spinach
▢ 4 oz cream cheese
▢ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
▢ ¼ cup chicken broth
▢ 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
▢ ½ tsp salt
▢ ¼ tsp black pepper
▢ Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped smoked turkey and cook until lightly browned.
4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally but not all the way through. Open like a book and season inside with salt and pepper.
7. Spoon the spinach mixture into each breast and fold to enclose. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
8. Place stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
10. Remove toothpicks and serve hot!
Notes
You can swap smoked turkey with diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Use low-fat cream cheese if desired for a lighter option.
Goes great with roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, spinach stuffed chicken, easy baked chicken, creamy spinach chicken