Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Chicken breast is a versatile and lean protein source, making it a staple in many healthy diets. However, it can sometimes be a bit bland on its own. That’s where stuffing comes in! Spinach stuffed chicken breast is a fantastic way to add flavor, nutrients, and visual appeal to a simple chicken dish. This recipe is packed with fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also relatively easy to prepare.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Chicken breast is a great source of protein, and spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals. This recipe combines the best of both worlds for a healthy and balanced meal.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The spinach and cheese filling adds a burst of flavor to the chicken, making it much more exciting than plain chicken breast.
* **Easy to Make:** While it may look impressive, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the filling to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Spinach stuffed chicken breast looks elegant and is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Fresh Spinach:** 10 ounces, washed and roughly chopped
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 1/4 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Onion:** 1/4 cup, finely chopped
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Dried Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
* **Sharp Knife:** For butterflying the chicken breasts.
* **Large Skillet:** For sautéing the spinach and vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the filling ingredients.
* **Baking Dish:** For baking the chicken breasts.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making perfect spinach stuffed chicken breast:

**1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If the spinach releases a lot of liquid, drain off the excess.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.

**2. Combine the Filling Ingredients:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, cooked spinach mixture, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

**3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:**

* Place each chicken breast on a cutting board.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of each chicken breast, almost all the way through, but leave one side attached. This will create a pocket for the filling. This process is called “butterflying” the chicken.
* Open the chicken breast like a book. If the chicken breast is very thick, you can gently pound it with a meat mallet to an even thickness. This will help it cook more evenly.
* Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

**4. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:**

* Spoon the spinach and cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff it, or it will spill out during cooking.
* Close the chicken breast to enclose the filling. You can use toothpicks to secure the edges if desired, but this is not always necessary. If using toothpicks, remember to remove them before serving.

**5. Brown the Chicken Breasts (Optional):**

* Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
* Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds a nice color and flavor to the chicken.

**6. Bake the Chicken Breasts:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Transfer the seared chicken breasts (or the un-seared chicken breasts if you skipped the browning step) to a baking dish.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
* If the chicken breasts start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with foil.

**7. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* If you used toothpicks, remove them before serving.
* Serve the spinach stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the oven immediately.
* **Use Fresh Spinach:** Fresh spinach has a better flavor and texture than frozen spinach. If you must use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water before using it in the filling.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese will blend more easily with the other filling ingredients.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the spinach filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bake the chicken breasts just before serving.
* **Variations:** Get creative with your fillings! Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, different cheeses (like mozzarella or feta), or even chopped cooked bacon to the spinach mixture.

## Serving Suggestions

Spinach stuffed chicken breast pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts all make excellent accompaniments.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for chicken.
* **Rice:** Rice pilaf or wild rice are both great options.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with fruits and nuts adds a refreshing element to the meal.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and nutritious alternative to rice.
* **Pasta:** A light pasta dish with olive oil and herbs can complement the chicken.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

This recipe is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to note that the nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water before using it in the filling. Fresh spinach is preferred for its better flavor and texture.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the spinach filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bake the chicken breasts just before serving.

**Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?**

A: The best way to know when the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

**Q: Can I use different cheeses in the filling?**

A: Yes, you can use different cheeses in the filling. Mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese are all good options.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?**

A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the filling. Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all good options.

**Q: Can I grill the chicken breasts instead of baking them?**

A: Yes, you can grill the chicken breasts. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. Make sure to monitor the temperature closely to prevent burning.

**Q: What if my chicken breasts are very thick?**

A: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness before stuffing them. This will help them cook more evenly.

**Q: How do I prevent the filling from spilling out while baking?**

A: Avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts. You can also use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts, but remember to remove them before serving.

## Enjoy Your Delicious and Healthy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast!

This recipe is a winner for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. The combination of lean protein, nutritious spinach, and flavorful cheese makes it a meal you can feel good about serving. Experiment with different variations and find your favorite combination. Bon appétit!