Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast, an Italian delight, combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, seasoned with Italian spices. This baked, low-carb, and keto-friendly dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, offering a rich blend of flavors in every bite. Ideal for family meals or impressing guests, it's a simple yet delectable culinary treat.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare this Stuffed Chicken Breast, you'll need readily available ingredients commonly found in your pantry or at local supermarkets. Here's what you'll require:
Ingredients for Seasoning:
- Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are chosen for their lean meat and ability to absorb flavors. They provide a substantial, protein-rich base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- Seasoning Powders: A blend of chili, onion, garlic, and pepper powders, along with mixed Italian herbs, is used to infuse the chicken with a depth of flavor. These seasonings bring warmth, a hint of spice, and aromatic undertones. If you prefer a gentler heat, opt for paprika instead of chili powder, which adds color and a mild, smoky flavor without too much spiciness.
Ingredients for Fillings:
- Spinach: Opt for fresh spinach to create the nutritious and vibrant filling. Its fresh, leafy greens are packed with essential nutrients, adding both health benefits and a delightful texture.
- Aromatics: Incorporate onion and garlic to enhance the flavor profile of the filling. These aromatics provide a depth of taste, elevating the overall savoriness.
- Cheese: A trio of cheeses – cream cheese, parmesan, and mozzarella – is used to achieve a creamy, rich texture and a beautiful melt. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor; cream cheese for smoothness, parmesan for a salty bite, and mozzarella for its delightful stretchiness.
- Mayonnaise: A tablespoon of mayonnaise is included to bind the ingredients together, adding a slight tang and creaminess to the filling, making it even more indulgent.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast at Home?
Dive into this culinary journey with our step-by-step guide, complete with photos and a video to ensure you create the perfect Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. From preparing the savory seasonings and rich fillings to stuffing the chicken breasts and baking them to perfection, each step is designed to guide you to a delicious outcome. Let's begin!
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For Marination
- 2 lb Chicken Breast, moderate size breasts
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder, black or white pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Italian Herbs, mixed
For Filling
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder, black
- 3 tbsp Onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1½ cup Spinach, chopped, tightly packed
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
Instructions
Preparing Seasoning
- In a mixing bowl, blend together chili, onion, garlic, and pepper powders with a pinch of salt and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs. Stir these ingredients until evenly mixed, creating a rich and aromatic seasoning blend. Keep this mix aside for later use.
Preparing Fillings
- Place cream cheese in a bowl. With a fork, gently soften the cheese, ensuring it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. This forms the creamy base of your filling.
- Incorporate parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, chili flakes, pepper powder, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, and spinach. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Set this filling aside for later use.
Preparing Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Begin by placing each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit along the side of each breast to create a pocket, as illustrated in the picture. Ensure the pocket is deep enough for the filling.
- Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts, gently rubbing it across each piece to ensure an even coat. Then, generously apply the reserved seasoning mix, rubbing it thoroughly on both sides of the breasts for an even flavor distribution.
- Carefully spoon 2 tablespoons of the reserved cream cheese spinach filling into the pockets of each chicken breast. Note that this quantity is based on using medium to large-sized breasts. For smaller breasts, adjust the amount of filling accordingly to ensure a balanced stuffing without overfilling.
- Carefully transfer the stuffed chicken breasts onto an oil-greased baking tray, arranging them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are thoroughly cooked. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the breasts. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the tray from the oven. Your Baked Spinach Stuffed Chicken is now ready to delight your palate.
Serving
- Serve your Baked Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with a side of your choice for a complete meal. For more pairing ideas, refer to the Serving Suggestions section to enhance your dining experience.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Chicken Breast Preparation: To properly stuff the chicken, make a horizontal slit along the side of each breast, creating a pocket-like space. For medium to large breasts, allocate 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling each. This technique ensures the stuffing is securely held and evenly distributed.
- Even Thickness of Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts are still cooking.
- Securing the Stuffing: Optionally use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts after stuffing. This helps keep the filling intact and prevents it from oozing out during baking.
- Personalized Seasoning Mix: Tailor the seasoning blend to your family's palate, crafting a flavor profile that's uniquely yours. For more ideas, explore the array of seasonings available on our blog.
- Optimal Cooking Time: Bake the chicken breasts at 375°F for about 40 minutes, but be mindful that the size of the breasts can affect cooking time. Larger breasts may require additional time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they're cooked through.
- Resting Time Post-Baking: Allow the baked chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. Resting helps the chicken retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Checking for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) recommended by FDA at the thickest part of the breast.
- Keep the Chicken Moist: Brine the chicken breasts by soaking them in warm, salted water for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This process helps keep them moist and tender even after cooking. Drain the breasts well before using them in your recipe.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our collection of chicken breast and baked dinner recipes, each offering a harmonious blend of flavors and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast experience with these thoughtfully selected serving suggestions. Whether you're aiming for a low-carb meal or a heartier feast, these pairings will beautifully complement the flavors of your dish.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Pair with a light, fresh garden salad dressed in a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stuffed chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy, colorful addition.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots add a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the savory chicken.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice, adding a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: If not following a strict low-carb diet, quinoa or brown rice can be excellent, heartier sides.
- Garlic Bread: For those who aren’t carb-conscious, garlic bread makes a delicious, indulgent side.
- Sauces and Dips: A light cream or herb sauce, or even a simple marinara, can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Light Pasta: A side of angel hair or penne pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs can round out the meal.
Storage Suggestions
Best enjoyed fresh, the Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast retains its flavor and moisture when served warm. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in a safe bowl with a sprinkle of water for 40 to 50 seconds, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy.
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