Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! The chicken is stuffed with a creamy spinach and mozzarella filling, then baked to perfection. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Toothpicks (for securing the chicken)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- If using fresh spinach, chop it roughly. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and softened (if using fresh spinach). If using frozen spinach, just heat it through.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the spinach, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through — you want to create a nice pocket for the filling.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning (optional).
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the spinach and mozzarella mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, being careful not to overstuff. You should have enough filling for all four breasts.
- Secure the open side of the chicken with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This will help lock in the flavor before baking.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the tops with a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor (optional).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts and serve them hot.
- These stuffed chicken breasts go wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Optional Variations:
- Add Herbs: You can mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to the spinach filling for more flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Top the chicken with a bit of marinara sauce and extra mozzarella cheese in the last few minutes of baking for a “chicken Parmesan” twist!
- Use Other Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
This Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that looks impressive but is simple to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even for guests! Enjoy!
