Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a savory, satisfying dish that brings together juicy baked chicken breasts and a creamy, flavorful filling. Packed with spinach, cream cheese, and melted cheeses, this recipe is both nutritious and indulgent—a perfect combination for a delicious dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy filling that’s rich and full of flavor
- A great way to add spinach to your meal without it feeling like a chore
- Simple to make, but looks and tastes impressive
- Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings
- Perfect for low-carb and keto-friendly diets
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked spinach (fresh or frozen, drained)
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
For the chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Season the outside of the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the cream cheese and spinach mixture into each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Use feta or goat cheese in place of Parmesan for a tangy twist
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the filling
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before baking for added color and flavor
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. For best results, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overbake it—use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, then let it rest before slicing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them a few hours ahead. Bake when ready to serve.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try Swiss, provolone, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.
Do I need to secure the chicken with toothpicks?
Not necessarily, but toothpicks can help keep the filling in place during baking.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
You can sear the chicken in a skillet first, but baking ensures even cooking. A covered skillet can work in a pinch.
What sides go well with this recipe?
Great with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, rice, or a simple green salad.
Can I freeze stuffed chicken?
Yes, wrap each stuffed breast tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides a richer texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a crowd-pleasing main dish that’s both hearty and healthy. With a melty, flavorful center and perfectly baked chicken, it’s a weeknight winner that’s easy to prep and always delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting, protein-packed meal.
Print
Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach and cream cheese, then baked until golden and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup thawed frozen, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper—and Parmesan if using. Mix thoroughly.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, without slicing through.
- Spoon the spinach‑cheese filling evenly into each pocket, pressing gently.
- Brush olive oil over the outside of the chicken breasts.
- Place stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken registers 165 °F (74 °C) internally and juices run clear.
- For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies or salad.
Notes
- Use thawed frozen spinach to save prep time—just squeeze out excess liquid.
- Chicken can be seared 1–2 minutes per side in a skillet before baking for extra flavor.
- Substitute feta or goat cheese for a tangier filling.
- Make ahead: stuff chicken and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge; reheat gently to keep cheese creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg