Recipe for stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese

Chicken breast is having a moment, and that moment is creamy, cheesy, herby, and exactly what I wish someone would cook me any night of the week: Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast.

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, nutty, and cheesy spinach filling, perked up with Italian herbs, and lightly seared outside and juicy within, this recipe is shockingly easy to make and will instantly upgrade your night.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is an appealing cut of meat because it’s healthy, inexpensive, and widely approved by even picky eaters (especially if it’s Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast or Pecan Crusted Chicken).

It can also be dry and a total snooze fest.

Three methods to cook a juicy chicken breast—NOT DRY—are brining (like in this Baked Chicken Breast), marinading (like this Chicken Marinade), and stuffing (ahem, this tasty recipe right here!).

I especially love stuffing chicken breast.

(I use the same trick in Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Stuffed Salmon, and Stuffed Pork Chops.)

The filling insulates and flavors an otherwise fairly bland cut of meat, and it gives you many delicious possibilities for your weeknight dinner.

You can stuff chicken breast with any combination of cheese, sautéed vegetables (broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes all work well), herbs, and even meat if you like.

Well, stuffing gives you many ways to play around with chicken breast in theory, but this Greek-meets-Italy feta, spinach, and Parmesan recipe is the best stuffed chicken breast I’ve ever had!

In addition to being ultra tasty, the very idea of a cheesy filling waiting inside each piece turns it into a present on your plate (just like the ham and white cheddar cheese stuffed Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu!).

This healthy spinach and chicken recipe is supremely satisfying.

TIP!

The best way to stuff chicken breast is to cut a pocket in the side of the breast with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut all the way through.

• I like to place my hand on top of the breast so I can feel how deeply the knife is inserted.

Once you’ve cut the pocket, with a small spoon or your fingers, add your filling inside.

• To keep the filling from spilling out, secure it with a toothpick.

The best way to cook a stuffed chicken breast is to sear the outsides on the stovetop to create a nice, golden crust, then finish it in the oven.

• This spinach stuffed chicken breast contains no cream cheese.
• Instead, I took loose inspiration from spanakopita and used feta. Its creamy texture and salty touch was just right.
• For a more mild option, try mozzarella cheese stuffed chicken or one of the below suggestions.

The Ingredients

• Chicken Breast. Approved by adults and kids alike. It’s a protein-packed, tender blank canvas that’s ideal for pairing with a wide range of flavors (like those in the stuffing).
• Baby Spinach. Rich in fiber and vitamins, spinach is an ultra nutritious addition to the stuffing. Its mild flavor makes it kid-friendly.
• Spices. Dried sage, dried oregano, pepper, and nutmeg pump up the flavor in our stuffing and give it depth. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to ad them too.
• Feta. Salty, tangy, cheesy goodness that pairs beautifully with the other flavors in the stuffing.

Swapping the Feta

• Instead of feta, you can substitute crumbled goat cheese or try making spinach and mozzarella stuffed chicken with shredded mozzarella and/or shredded provolone cheese.
• If your heart is set on spinach cream cheese stuffed chicken breast, I do think you can play around with cream cheese here also.

• Parmesan. The other can’t-miss, crowd-pleasing cheesy component in our stuffing.
• Walnuts. Walnuts add a spectacular nuttiness that gives the filling a gourmet taste you’ll feel proud of yourself for cooking.
• Butter. Helps create a delicious sear on the chicken breasts and adds rich flavor.
• Lemon. Adds wonderful brightness and acidity to the chicken.

Dietary Note

For a dairy-free stuffed chicken breast, omit the cheese and add 3 to 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast. Use olive oil instead of butter.

The Directions

1. Cut slits in the chicken breasts. Dry the chicken and sprinkle salt over the top.

1. Saute the shallot on the stove top.

1. Stir in the spinach. Remove the skillet from the heat.

1. Add the walnuts and cheeses (no need to put them in a separate bowl).

1. Stuff the spinach mixture into the chicken breasts.

1. Seal the openings with toothpicks.

1. Sear the chicken with butter in the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest (the internal temperature should be 165 degrees F). Finish with lemon juice and ENJOY!

Wine Pairing

Serve spinach stuffed chicken with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir.

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat. Rewarm chicken in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• To Freeze. Stuffed chicken breast can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Plan Tip

You can prepared stuffed chicken breasts in advance! Cook the stuffing ingredients and prepare the chicken pocket up to 1 day in advance. You also can fully stuff the chicken, then refrigerate it for up to 6 hours. Sear and bake just before serving.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

• Oven-Safe Skillet. Seamlessly transitions from stovetop to oven.
• Extra Large Cutting Board. The extra space is critical for prepping the chicken breasts.
• Instant Read Thermometer. A foolproof way to check your chicken for doneness.

The Best Cast Iron Skillet

This oven-safe cast iron skillet is incredibly high quality and guaranteed to last a lifetime. You’ll use this skillet on repeat!

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought!

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

This baked stuffed chicken breast is a bit of mealtime magic. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know Stuffed Chicken Breast is Done?

Chicken is considered safe to eat when an instant read thermometer inserted at the thickest part registers 165 degrees F. THAT SAID, the internal temperature of chicken will rise as it rests. To keep it from becoming dry, I remove my chicken between 155 and 160 degrees F, then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. It works perfectly.

Can I Cook Stuffed Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook stuffed chicken breast in the air fryer, although if you are cooking more than two, a regular oven is easier, since no more than 2 chicken breasts fit in a typical air fryer basket. If you would like to experiment with cooking this stuffed chicken in the air fryer, instead of transferring the skillet to the stove, place the breasts in an air fryer basket and air fry at 375 degrees F for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How Do I Seal Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Thread a toothpick down and then back up through the cut side of the chicken to pinch the opening closed. It is OK if some of the filling is peeking through. You will need about 2 toothpicks per breast. Be sure to remove the toothpicks prior to serving.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Video

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• 4 6-to 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt divided
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 1 medium shallot finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• 2 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon cut into wedges

• Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

• Cut pockets in the chicken breasts: Place a cutting board on the counter, making sure that it is steadily in place and doesn't slide around (if it is slipping, place a damp paper towel underneath). Lay a breast on the cutting board and press your hand on top to hold it into place. Insert the tip of a sharp chef’s knife into the center of the thickest part of the breast. First, cut a slit that is 4 inches wide in the thickest part (leave the thin end uncut). Then, use the knife to make the opening deeper, cutting 3/4 of the way through the breast towards the other side. Do not cut all the way through. Repeat with the remaining breasts. With paper towels, pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle the outsides with 3/4 kosher salt.

  

• In a large, oven-safe, non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed so that the shallot softens but does not burn.

• Stir in the sage, oregano, pepper, nutmeg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and last the garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  

• Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, stirring until it wilts. Remove from the heat.

  

• Stir in the feta, walnuts, and Parmesan.

  

• Stuff the filling inside the breast, dividing it evenly between each.

  

• Secure the opening with toothpicks, threading the toothpicks so that they are parallel to the counter (you'll need 1 or 2 toothpicks per breast).

  

• With paper towels, carefully wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat. Add the butter.

• Once the butter melts, add the chicken (be careful to lower it into the pan away from you) and sear on each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until light golden.

  

• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken registers 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Transfer to a plate, cover and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy, with a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top.

• TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
• TO REHEAT: Rewarm chicken in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 434kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 43gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 147mgPotassium: 937mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3678IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 205mgIron: 2mg

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