Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Meal
Tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection. A simple and satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked and chopped spinach
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or feta)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly. A preheated oven maintains a consistent temperature throughout the baking process.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to stuff. Pounding the chicken also tenderizes it.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooked spinach, minced garlic, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Take a pounded chicken breast and place about 1/3 cup of the filling in the center. Carefully fold the sides of the chicken over the filling, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed and that the chicken is tightly rolled to prevent leaks.
- Secure the Stuffed Chicken: Secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside during cooking. Insert the toothpicks at an angle to prevent them from poking through the chicken. If using kitchen twine, tie it tightly around the chicken to secure the filling.
- Season the Chicken: Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the flavor and give a beautiful color to the chicken when cooked. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts seam-side down in a baking dish. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. To ensure it’s done, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese fully.
- Squeeze excess moisture from spinach.
- Pound chicken evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer.
- Let chicken rest before serving.