🧀 Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

⭐ What You’ll Love

• Juicy seasoned chicken

• Creamy cheesy spinach filling

• Fast (30–35 minutes)

• Low-carb & family-friendly

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheesy Spinach Filling

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry.

2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket in each breast (don’t cut all the way through).

3. Drizzle the breasts with olive oil.

4. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken.

2. Make the Stuffing

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • cream cheese

   • spinach

   • mozzarella

   • Parmesan

   • garlic

   • salt & pepper

   • red pepper flakes (optional)

2. Mix until creamy and well combined.

3. Stuff the Chicken

1. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy spinach mixture into each chicken pocket.

2. Close with toothpicks if needed.

4. Cook the Chicken

You can bake or pan-sear + bake:

Option A: Bake Only (Easy)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.

3. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Option B: Pan-Sear + Bake (Best Browning)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear stuffed chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

4. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 15–20 minutes, until cooked through.

🌿 Optional Add-Ins / Variations

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling

• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack

• Add fresh basil for extra flavor

• Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy version

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad

• Drizzle with garlic butter or Alfredo sauce for extra richness

📦 Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Freezer: Freeze cooked stuffed chicken for up to 2 months

• Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm