Description
A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese, seasoned with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped (about 120 g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 g), preferably low-moisture
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Pound uneven breasts lightly between plastic wrap to even thickness.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy but not runny. Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach if needed.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket evenly with the spinach and cheese mixture. Secure each with 2-3 toothpicks to keep filling inside.
- Brush the outside of the chicken breasts with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Place stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: For a golden crust, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
Use even-sized chicken breasts for uniform cooking. Do not overstuff to prevent filling from spilling out. Secure pockets with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Rest chicken after baking for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking. Sauté spinach first to remove excess moisture. Optional broiling at the end creates a golden crust. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken br
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, spinach and cheese chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken, healthy dinner, quick chicken recipe, low-carb chicken