Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Chicken – Choose similar-sized boneless skinless chicken breasts, so they bake at the same rate. Mine were 8 ounces each, so the bake time might be a little longer if yours are larger. You can also use similar fillings to make my stuffed salmon.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning the chicken. I kept it simple since the filling is already so flavorful, but feel free to add other seasonings to your chicken breasts, like paprika or Italian seasoning.
• Spinach – I recommend fresh baby spinach, but you can use frozen. Just be sure to drain it very well to avoid a watery filling. This spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe needs 6 ounces of fresh spinach, and if you use frozen you’d need about 4 ounces.
• Plain Cream Cheese – Let the cream cheese sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften, so that it’s easier to mix the filling. If you forget, you can briefly microwave to soften it.
• Garlic  – Use 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic, or 1 teaspoon jarred garlic. You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if you need to, but the flavor is better with minced garlic.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – We’re using cheese inside the filling and also on top. Feel free to substitute other shredded cheeses if you like, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese. You can also use different cheeses in the filling and on top — feta cheese works well in the filling and sliced fresh mozzarella is delicious on top.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the spinach stuffed chicken breasts. You can also use avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil you prefer.
• Roma Tomato – I place them on top of the chicken and cover with more cheese to make the dish more juicy and flavorful. Thinner slices are best for this, so that they get nice and soft. For a more intense flavor and different texture, use sun-dried tomatoes instead.

How To Make Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make pockets for the filling. Use a sharp knife to cut a horizontal slit in each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Set aside.

2. Mash the filling. In a large or medium bowl, mash together the cream cheese and garlic.
3. Add the cheese. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Add the spinach. Steam the spinach in the microwave or on the stove, until wilted. Let it cool, then squeeze over the sink to release as much water as possible. Stir into the cream cheese mixture.
5. Stuff the chicken breasts. Spoon the spinach stuffing mixture into the chicken breast pockets. Use toothpicks to secure the filling inside.

6. Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, until shimmering. Add the spinach stuffed chicken breast, and sear until golden brown on both sides.
7. Add toppings. Working quickly, place the tomato slices and more shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken.

8. Bake. Transfer the stuffed chicken breast with spinach to the oven. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Serving Ideas

Spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken goes with just about any side dish. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Vegetables – Veggie sides, such as baked cauliflower or roasted zucchini, pair well with this chicken. For a fancier meal, pair it with green beans almondine.
• Rice Or Noodles – Choose your fave. For lighter and healthier alternatives, try zucchini noodles, roasted spaghetti squash, or easy cauliflower rice.
• Potatoes – Serve spinach stuffed chicken with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. You can also choose lighter alternatives, like crispy roasted rutabaga, smooth cauliflower mashed potatoes, or my many cauliflower recipes that I use as potato replacements.
• Salad – Since this dish leans Italian, it goes well with similar flavors. Try it with a Mediterranean salad, Caesar salad (skip the chicken), or Greek salad.

More Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

Looking for more hassle-free chicken breast recipes? Here are some other chicken breast recipes I keep in rotation:

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Bacon Ranch Chicken

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken

Pesto Chicken

Tools I Use For This Recipe

• Cast Iron Skillet – Pictured above! For the best golden sear on meats, nothing beats cast iron. (Plus it transfers easily from stovetop to oven!)
• Meat Thermometer – My favorite quick tool for checking cooking temps.