Description
Delicious and healthy stuffed chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked to perfection. This low-carb, gluten-free main course is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Stuffing
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking your stuffed chicken breasts evenly.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. This pocket will hold the spinach and cheese filling.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Stuffing Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the spinach and cheese mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Season and Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the tops with paprika for color and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to retain its juices, then remove toothpicks or twine and serve warm.
Notes
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- For a golden crust, sear the stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before baking.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine carefully to avoid any injury while handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
