Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken (Printable)
Chicken breasts stuffed with cheesy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, seared and baked until golden.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Filling
06 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 2 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
09 - 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
→ To Finish
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
14 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
03 - Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
05 - Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the spinach-cheese mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent filling from escaping.
06 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
07 - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven or move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
08 - Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy, cheesy filling oozes out when you cut into it, making every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
- Sun dried tomatoes bring a tangy, concentrated pop of Mediterranean flavor that transforms ordinary chicken into something guests will remember.
02 -
- Do not overstuff the pockets or the filling will leak out during searing and leave you with a messy pan and hollow chicken.
- Letting the cream cheese fully soften at room temperature before mixing prevents awkward lumps in your filling.
03 -
- Use a toothpick to secure the pocket opening and count how many you put in so you can remove them all before serving.
- Searing in an oven safe skillet means you go straight from stove to oven without dirtying another pan.