Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Spinach stuffed chicken breast is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It combines the lean protein of chicken with the nutritional power of spinach and a creamy, flavorful filling. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and spices, making it a versatile option for any palate. Plus, it’s a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of greens.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals from the spinach.
* **Easy to Make:** Simple instructions and readily available ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences with different cheese, herbs, and spices.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Looks elegant and sophisticated, perfect for dinner parties.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The creamy filling and tender chicken create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

## Ingredients

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces fresh spinach, or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* **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
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon (or a blend of your favorite herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme)
* **Optional:** Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), mushrooms (diced), mozzarella cheese

## Equipment

* Large skillet or baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Meat mallet (optional)
* Toothpicks or kitchen twine

## Instructions

### Preparation (20 minutes)

1. **Prepare the Spinach:**
* **Fresh Spinach:** Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Squeeze out any excess water. Roughly chop the spinach.
* **Frozen Spinach:** Thaw the frozen spinach completely. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is crucial to prevent a soggy filling.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
* Add the chopped spinach, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* If using, add sun-dried tomatoes and/or mushrooms to the filling and mix thoroughly.

3. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts:**
* Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag.
* Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to roll.
* Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

### Stuffing and Rolling (15 minutes)

1. **Stuff the Chicken:**
* Lay each chicken breast flat on a clean surface.
* Spoon about 1/4 of the spinach and cheese filling onto the center of each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
* Be careful not to overfill the chicken breasts, as the filling may leak out during cooking.

2. **Roll the Chicken:**
* Starting from one end, carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly, enclosing the filling inside.
* Secure the rolled chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent them from unrolling during cooking. Insert the toothpicks at an angle to hold the seam together, or tie the twine tightly around the middle of each roll.

### Cooking (30-40 minutes)

You have two main options for cooking the stuffed chicken breasts: baking or pan-searing followed by baking. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and equipment.

**Option 1: Baking**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

3. **Place Chicken:** Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down.

4. **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

5. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Option 2: Pan-Searing and Baking**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Sear Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Searing the chicken helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich, flavorful crust.

3. **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a lightly greased baking dish.

4. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

5. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

### Serving (5 minutes)

1. **Remove Toothpicks or Twine:** Before serving, carefully remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine from the chicken breasts.

2. **Slice:** Slice each chicken breast into 1-inch thick slices.

3. **Serve:** Serve the spinach stuffed chicken breasts immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere would all be delicious additions.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added to the spinach filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick.
* **Breadcrumb Coating:** For a crispy exterior, dip the stuffed chicken breasts in breadcrumbs before baking or searing.
* **Sauce Options:** Serve the chicken with a creamy garlic sauce, pesto sauce, or tomato sauce for added flavor.
* **Make Ahead:** The spinach filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The chicken breasts can also be stuffed and rolled ahead of time, but they should be cooked within a few hours.
* **Using a different protein:** Instead of Chicken, try using pork loin for a richer flavour. The cooking time might need to be adjusted.
* **Lower Fat Option:** Use fat-free cream cheese and ricotta cheese for a lighter version of this recipe. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil used.

## Serving Suggestions

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

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash are a classic accompaniment.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and herbs is a light and refreshing option.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the chicken.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)

*(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)*

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover spinach stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

* **Freeze:** For longer storage, wrap the chicken breasts individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

* **Microwave:** Place the chicken breast on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken dry.

* **Skillet:** Reheat the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

## Conclusion

Spinach stuffed chicken breast is a fantastic recipe that is both delicious and nutritious. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a dish that anyone can master. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party entrée, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dish that your family and friends will love!