Name: Stuffed Chicken with Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

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A delicious and healthy dish where tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a savory spinach mixture, then baked to perfection. This elegant dinner option is not only impressive but surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This stuffed chicken recipe offers the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. The tender, juicy chicken breasts create a beautiful canvas for the creamy, flavorful spinach filling. It's an excellent high-protein, low-carb option that feels indulgent while still being wholesome. The contrast between the golden-brown exterior of the chicken and the vibrant green filling makes for a stunning presentation that will impress family and guests alike. Plus, it's versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to fluffy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the star of this dish, providing a lean protein base that becomes tender and juicy when properly cooked. Look for breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.

Fresh spinach adds vibrant color, nutrients, and earthy flavor to the filling. It wilts down significantly when mixed with other ingredients, allowing you to incorporate plenty of greens into each serving.

Ricotta cheese creates the creamy, luxurious texture in the filling that keeps the chicken moist during baking. Its mild flavor works perfectly with the other ingredients and helps bind everything together.

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth to the filling that enhances the overall flavor profile. Its umami quality helps create a more complex taste experience.

Breadcrumbs add texture and help absorb excess moisture from the spinach and cheeses, creating a filling that stays put inside the chicken. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs based on your preference.

Garlic provides essential aromatic flavor that permeates throughout the dish. Fresh minced garlic offers the most potent flavor, but pre-minced will work in a pinch.

Olive oil is used for searing the chicken breasts, creating a beautiful golden exterior and helping to seal in juices before baking.

Dried oregano adds an herbaceous Mediterranean note that complements both the chicken and the spinach filling. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil.

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Don't skimp on properly seasoning both the chicken and the filling.

Butter is used to grease the baking dish, preventing sticking while adding a touch of rich flavor to the exterior of the chicken.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture, then secure with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear on both sides for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish greased with butter and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, providing a balanced meal that's satisfying without being overly heavy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This makes it feasible for a weeknight dinner, as it can be on the table in less than an hour. For even quicker preparation, you can make the filling up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the spinach mixture for a Mediterranean twist.

Italian Flair: Mix in some Italian seasoning, diced roasted red peppers, and mozzarella cheese to the filling for an Italian-inspired version.

Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives into the filling for a bright, herbaceous profile.

Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic and add to the spinach mixture for an earthy flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, place a chicken breast on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on 70% power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

Meal Prep: You can prepare the chicken breasts and filling separately up to a day ahead, then stuff and cook when ready to serve.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The most reliable way to determine if chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling), and make sure it reads 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be opaque with no pink showing.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients. About ¾ cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach will equal the 2 cups of fresh spinach called for in the recipe.

What if I don't have toothpicks to secure the chicken?

If you don't have toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine to tie around the chicken breasts, or simply be very careful with your cutting and stuffing to create a pocket that will hold the filling well. Another option is to place the stuffed breasts seam-side down in the baking dish to help keep them closed.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What side dishes pair well with stuffed chicken?

This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a simple risotto. For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice or a medley of sautéed vegetables.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they're typically smaller and more difficult to stuff. You might consider butterflying them, adding filling, then rolling and securing with toothpicks. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to create a deep pocket without cutting all the way through the chicken. Use toothpicks to secure the opening well, and don't overstuff the chicken. Searing the chicken before baking also helps seal the opening.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if you reduce or omit the breadcrumbs. You can substitute with almond meal for a more keto-friendly version.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Certainly! Finely chopped artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms would all make excellent additions to the filling. Just make sure any additional vegetables are cooked and drained of excess moisture before adding to the mixture.

What if my chicken breasts are very thick?

For particularly thick chicken breasts, you may want to butterfly them completely and then pound them to an even thickness before adding filling and rolling them up (similar to a chicken roulade). This ensures more even cooking and makes them easier to stuff.

Conclusion

Stuffed Chicken with Spinach transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The combination of tender chicken and the creamy spinach filling creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will please even the most discerning palates. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe delivers both nutrition and satisfaction. The versatility of the dish allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. With its elegant presentation and delicious taste, this stuffed chicken recipe is sure to become a treasured addition to your culinary repertoire.