Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish, featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture. It’s a quick and healthy meal, perfect for weeknights, and is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless 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
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle them with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Cut the chicken pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be cautious not to cut all the way through, just enough to create space for the filling.
- Prepare the spinach filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the chicken: Evenly divide the spinach filling and spoon it into each chicken pocket. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the openings.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and enhances flavor. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese with mashed avocado or a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 407 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 873mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 139mg