Description
A flavorful and creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a rich blend of fresh spinach, cream cheese, feta, and mozzarella, seasoned with aromatic spices and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts (approximately 2 lbs.)
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. cumin powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Spinach Stuffing
- 4 oz. fresh baby spinach
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 2 oz. feta cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: Mix all of the seasoning ingredients (paprika, cumin powder, salt, and chili powder) together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Make Spinach Stuffing: Roughly chop the fresh baby spinach and place it into a mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, feta cheese crumbles, and shredded mozzarella. Using your hands, massage the spinach mixture until well combined and forming a thick, creamy paste.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Divide the spinach stuffing into four equal portions and spoon each portion into the chicken pockets. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Season and Oil Chicken: Generously brush both sides of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle and rub the prepared seasoning mix evenly over them.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken breasts.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor in the stuffing.
- You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Ensure the chicken pockets are securely closed with toothpicks to prevent stuffing from leaking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some extra paprika or herbs on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 519 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1114 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 199 mg
