Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
This spinach stuffed chicken breast is tender and flavorful from a cream cheese filling with spinach and Parmesan cheese. This comforting family dinner is ready in 30 minutes
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- ¾ cup chopped baby spinach , about 2 cups before chopped
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4 breasts)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , plus more to taste
- 2-3 Tablespoons avocado oil , or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, stir together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 3 cloves garlic, 3/4 cup spinach, 1/4 cup mozzarella, 3 Tablespoons parmesan, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until combined.
- Trim the chicken of any excess fat and pound the top if it is too thick (don't pound less than 1/2-inch). Cut a slit 3/4 the way through the middle of the chicken (being careful not to cut all the way through). Then stuff the chicken with the spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks (placing in horizontally if possible).
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Rub evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed iron skillet, heat 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 10 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the middle of the chicken reads 165˚F.
- Remove from the oven and let rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to absorb. Do not skip this step or your chicken will not be as juicy.
Notes
Spinach: You can swap fresh for frozen. Just make sure the frozen is thawed and squeezed dry of any extra liquid.
Storage: This is best eaten the first day, but you can store it. Place leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 325°F oven 10 minutes, or until warm.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g, Calories: 387kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 43g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 148mg, Sodium: 888mg, Potassium: 784mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1388IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
