Spinach stuffed chicken is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in your own kitchen. With a creamy spinach and cheese filling packed into a juicy chicken breast, it’s the kind of meal that turns ordinary ingredients into something impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of kick.
The filling is rich without being heavy, and the oven does all the work once everything is prepped. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and pairs well with just about anything—from a simple side salad to roasted vegetables or mashed cauliflower. Best of all, there’s no complicated process. Just season, stuff, bake, and serve.
From Ordinary Chicken to Something Special
When plain chicken just isn’t cutting it
There are days when you look at a pack of chicken breasts and think, not this again. That’s exactly how this recipe came to be. Plain grilled chicken had worn out its welcome, and something with more flavor and texture was needed. Enter spinach stuffed chicken.
It starts by seasoning the outside of the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of onion powder. A quick pocket cut into the side turns it into a perfect shell for a creamy, cheesy filling. Cream cheese brings richness, Parmesan adds that salty depth, and fresh spinach and garlic give it a fresh, herby bite.
The first time this came out of the oven, it was clear it was a keeper. The chicken stayed juicy, the filling stayed in place, and the flavor hit all the right notes.
Why spinach stuffed chicken works every time
This recipe is balanced and flexible. The filling can be prepped in advance, the chicken can be seasoned and stuffed quickly, and it bakes in under 30 minutes. The ingredients are simple, but the results are anything but boring. Every bite gives you that contrast of juicy chicken and creamy spinach filling, with just enough spice from garlic and red pepper flakes to make it interesting.
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil.
- Add the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set chicken aside.
- Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to a small mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 873mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Net Carbs: 2g
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions
What you need for spinach stuffed chicken
This recipe keeps it straightforward with pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
You’ll also need a 9×13 baking dish, a sharp knife for slicing the chicken pockets, and either olive or avocado oil for drizzling and moisture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz, softened |
| Fresh Spinach | 1½ cups, chopped |
| Paprika + Garlic + Onion Powder | Various, for seasoning |
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish.
- Season the chicken. Place the chicken on a cutting board, drizzle with oil, and rub in a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the salt.
- Slice the pockets. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep slit into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Mix the filling. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff the chicken. Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into the pockets you created. Use toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
- Bake. Place the stuffed chicken in your baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas, Flavor Variations, and Prep Tips
What to serve with spinach stuffed chicken
Spinach stuffed chicken is rich and flavorful on its own, so it pairs best with simple, fresh sides. Here are a few easy ideas:
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Steamed broccoli or green beans with a light squeeze of lemon
- Cauliflower mash for a creamy, low-carb side
- Herbed rice or quinoa if you want something a little more filling
- A crisp garden salad with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette
These sides keep the meal balanced and allow the spinach and cheese filling to shine without competing flavors.
Simple ways to change it up
The base recipe is easy to adjust depending on what you have or what you’re craving. Try these swaps or add-ons:
- Use mozzarella or sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different flavor
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or cooked mushrooms to the filling for an earthy twist
- Swap spinach for kale or a mix of leafy greens
- Add Italian seasoning to the chicken rub for more herb flavor
- Skip the mayo and add more cream cheese if you want it thicker and richer
This recipe is easy to adjust for personal taste while still keeping the main steps the same.
Make-ahead and meal prep tips
You can prepare the spinach filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also season and slice the chicken breasts ahead of time and keep them covered until you’re ready to stuff and bake.
Once cooked, leftover spinach stuffed chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. The filling stays creamy, and the chicken remains tender.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do you stuff chicken breasts with spinach?
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through. Fill the pocket with a mixture of cooked spinach, cheese, and seasonings, then bake until the chicken is cooked through.
What goes well with spinach stuffed chicken?
Light sides like roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a fresh salad pair well with the richness of the stuffed chicken. For something heartier, try cauliflower mash or a side of rice.
How do you keep stuffed chicken from drying out?
Bake at 375°F and avoid overcooking. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Adding oil to the outside of the chicken also helps lock in moisture. Covering loosely with foil during the last few minutes can prevent drying, especially if your oven runs hot.
Is spinach stuffed chicken keto friendly?
Yes. This recipe is low in carbs and high in protein and fat, making it a perfect fit for keto or low-carb diets. Just be mindful of add-ons like breadcrumbs or sugary sauces that could increase carb content.
Conclusion
Spinach stuffed chicken is the kind of recipe that takes everyday ingredients and turns them into something satisfying and flavorful. The creamy filling, juicy chicken, and just a touch of spice make it perfect for family dinners or meal prep alike. It’s easy to customize, quick to prep, and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re keeping things low-carb or just looking to change up your weeknight meals, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Give it a try once, and it’ll become a regular in your kitchen.