Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts filled with sautéed fresh baby spinach and melted mozzarella cheese. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a wholesome dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Spinach Filling
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 4-5 oz. fresh baby spinach (a few very big handfuls)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 4 (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Cook the spinach: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts: Carefully make a horizontal cut through each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, so they open like a book. This creates a pocket for the filling.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the inside of each butterflied chicken breast with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.
- Stuff the chicken: Divide the shredded mozzarella cheese and the sautéed spinach evenly among the breasts, placing the filling on the lower half. Fold the chicken breast over to enclose the filling. You may secure with toothpicks if desired.
- Prepare for baking: Drizzle the tops of the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle each breast with 1/4 teaspoon paprika and then top with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the prepared chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- To keep the filling inside while baking, you can secure the chicken with toothpicks if needed.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if you prefer, though shredded works well.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
