Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Looking for a delicious and impressive dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast! This recipe combines the lean protein of chicken with a creamy, flavorful filling, making it a satisfying and healthy meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize the filling with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to suit your taste.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and savory filling that perfectly complements the chicken.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite looking impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together. With just a few steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, and spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. This recipe is a healthy and satisfying way to enjoy a delicious meal.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily adapt the filling to your liking by adding different cheeses, herbs, or spices. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
* **Impressive Presentation:** Stuffed chicken breasts look beautiful on a plate, making them perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Spinach:** 5 ounces, fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Onion:** 1/4 cup, finely chopped (optional)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated (optional)
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons (optional, for browning)
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup (optional, for extra moisture during baking)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Cutting Board**
* **Sharp Knife**
* **Mixing Bowl**
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups**
* **Baking Dish (9×13 inch)**
* **Meat Thermometer**
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast:
### Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
* **If using fresh spinach:** Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. You can quickly wilt the spinach in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes until it’s tender. This will make it easier to incorporate into the filling. Alternatively, you can use the fresh spinach directly, but be sure to chop it finely. Wilting it slightly reduces the volume.
* **If using frozen spinach:** Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is crucial, as too much water will make the filling soggy. A clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth works well for this.
### Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, chopped onion (if using), grated Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the cream cheese is truly softened; otherwise, it will be difficult to mix thoroughly. Leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes usually does the trick. If you are in a hurry, you can microwave it in short bursts (10-15 seconds) making sure not to melt it.
2. **Mix Well:** Use a fork or spoon to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The filling should be smooth and creamy with the spinach evenly distributed throughout.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning depending on your preference.
### Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a large resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out. Pounding also makes it easier to stuff the chicken.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Remove the chicken breasts from the plastic wrap and season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. Season both sides of each chicken breast.
### Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
1. **Make a Pocket:** Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken. You want to create a deep pocket without splitting the chicken breast in half.
2. **Fill the Pocket:** Spoon the cream cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing the filling evenly among the four breasts. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff the chicken, as the filling may ooze out during cooking. About 1/4 of the filling per breast is usually a good amount.
3. **Secure the Opening (Optional):** If desired, you can secure the opening of each chicken breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This will help to keep the filling inside during cooking. However, this is not strictly necessary if you are careful when handling the chicken.
### Step 5: Cook the Chicken Breasts
There are several ways to cook spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breasts. Here are two popular methods:
**Option 1: Baking in the Oven**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside for optimal cooking.
2. **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** For added flavor and color, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before baking. Heat olive oil (or a combination of olive oil and butter) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a nice crust to the chicken.
3. **Place in Baking Dish:** Transfer the chicken breasts (if seared) to a baking dish or leave them in the oven-safe skillet. If you skipped the searing step, lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. **Add Chicken Broth (Optional):** Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help to keep the chicken moist during baking and create a flavorful sauce. You can also use white wine or water as a substitute.
5. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken in the thickest part of the breast. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Check the temperature periodically to avoid overcooking.
6. **Rest:** Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Covering the chicken loosely with foil during the resting period can help to retain heat.
**Option 2: Cooking on the Stovetop**
1. **Heat Oil:** Heat olive oil (or a combination of olive oil and butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. **Brown the Chicken:** Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
3. **Reduce Heat and Cover:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cover will trap heat and help the chicken cook evenly. If the chicken starts to stick to the skillet, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to help deglaze the pan.
4. **Rest:** Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overstuff:** Avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts, as the filling may ooze out during cooking. It’s better to use a moderate amount of filling and secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
* **Use Softened Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy.
* **Squeeze Out Excess Water:** If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Too much water will make the filling soggy.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving will help to keep it moist and tender.
## Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Try adding mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyere, or goat cheese. A blend of cheeses can also be delicious.
* **Herbs:** Use different herbs to flavor the filling. Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary would all be great additions.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try using smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
* **Sauce:** Serve the chicken with your favorite sauce. A creamy Alfredo sauce, a tomato-based marinara sauce, or a lemon-butter sauce would all be delicious.
* **Bread Crumbs:** Add a crispy topping by coating the stuffed chicken breasts in bread crumbs before baking. Mix the bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices for added flavor.
* **Sun-dried Tomatoes:** Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the cream cheese filling for a burst of tangy flavor.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté diced mushrooms with garlic and onions before adding them to the filling. This adds an earthy and savory element.
* **Pesto:** Swirl a spoonful of pesto into the cream cheese filling for a vibrant and herbaceous twist.
* **Goat Cheese and Walnuts:** Replace some of the cream cheese with goat cheese and add chopped walnuts for a tangy and crunchy texture.
* **Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese:** Use jalapeño cream cheese for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.
* **Prosciutto or Bacon:** Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in prosciutto or bacon before baking for added flavor and crispiness.
## Serving Suggestions
Spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken.
* **Rice:** Serve the chicken with rice pilaf, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or Caesar salad is a refreshing accompaniment.
* **Pasta:** Serve over pasta with a light tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the spinach and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. Add a little extra time to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
* **Storage:** Leftover cooked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Cooked chicken breasts can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
## Recipe Card
**Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast**
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Serves:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)
* 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for browning)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture during baking)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the spinach: If using fresh, chop and wilt slightly. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze dry.
3. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, garlic, onion (if using), Parmesan (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cut a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket.
6. Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese filling.
7. Sear chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil and butter (optional).
8. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Add chicken broth (optional).
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
**Enjoy your delicious and easy spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast!**
## Conclusion
Spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy filling, and simple seasonings is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!