Description
This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, then seared and baked to golden perfection, it’s a delicious and low-carb meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Other
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Season Chicken: Rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts and season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and minced garlic until well blended.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket, then secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, spinach-stuffed chicken breasts hot.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother filling texture.
- Add red pepper flakes to the filling mixture for a spicy kick.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or pasta to make a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
