If you are craving a meal that is both comforting and impressive, this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken breasts envelop a flavorful blend of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and savory Parmesan, creating a delightful surprise in every bite. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant greens coupled with a golden, crispy exterior makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week. With simple ingredients coming together to create a dish packed with flavor and texture, you’ll soon find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe plays a crucial role. From the freshness of the spinach adding a bright burst of color and nutrition, to the creamy cheeses that bring richness and depth, each element contributes to a harmonious and satisfying dish.
- Chicken breasts: The perfect protein base that stays juicy after baking.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the stuffing.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty punch enhancing the overall taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the filling and add just a touch of texture.
- Garlic: Infuses the mixture with a warm and aromatic kick.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
- Dried oregano: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly even cooking temperature when your stuffed chicken hits the oven. Next, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through — this pocket will cradle the delicious filling you are about to prepare.
Step 2: Mix the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine the fresh chopped spinach with creamy ricotta and grated Parmesan cheeses. Add breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper then stir everything until the mixture is well blended. This filling is where all the magic happens — it’s rich, flavorful, and wonderfully moist, giving the chicken a fantastic inside texture.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Gently fill each pocket with the spinach mixture. It’s important to pack it evenly so every bite has that perfect balance of chicken and stuffing. Secure each pocket with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step locks in juices and creates a lovely golden crust that adds flavor and visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a butter-greased baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This final step perfectly melds the flavors and ensures the chicken remains tender.
Step 6: Serve
Before serving, be sure to remove the toothpicks holding the pockets. Slice or serve whole to reveal the beautifully stuffed center.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan on top instantly brightens the presentation and adds a fresh aroma that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes. The balance between the creamy, cheesy filling and simple sides creates a well-rounded meal that feels special yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, slice the chicken breasts diagonally to show off the stuffed filling and arrange them on a colorful platter. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a lemon butter sauce on top to enhance the flavors and add a glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe in advance, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed chicken breasts individually. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Keeping the stuffing intact and chicken moist is best done by reheating slowly rather than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This prevents the stuffing from becoming watery.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing is recommended because it seals in the juices and adds a beautiful golden crust, but you could skip this step if you’re short on time. The chicken will still cook fully in the oven.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese or cream cheese can work as substitutes, but ricotta’s mild flavor and texture blend best with the spinach and Parmesan.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking?
Use toothpicks to securely hold the chicken pockets closed and avoid overfilling. Also, searing helps form a seal that keeps the stuffing inside.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Try serving with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh vegetable medley for a nutritious and balanced plate.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe is a wonderful way to bring excitement to your dinner table while keeping things simple and wholesome. Its blend of creamy, cheesy filling with tender chicken offers a comforting yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Trust me, once you try it, this will soon be one of your favorite go-to recipes for weeknights or special occasions. Happy cooking!
Print
Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This stuffed chicken with spinach recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, seasoned with garlic and oregano. The chicken is seared to a golden brown on the stovetop before being baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious, cheesy, and nutritious dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready to bake the chicken after searing.
- Create chicken pockets: Carefully slice horizontally into each chicken breast to form a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
- Stuff chicken breasts: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the spinach mixture and secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake chicken: Grease a baking dish with butter, transfer the seared chicken breasts into it, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove toothpicks and serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving to avoid any choking hazards.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before creating the pocket.
- Feel free to add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking.
