There’s something about stuffed chicken breast that feels like a hug in food form—comforting and unexpectedly delightful. My first attempt was a comedy of errors, with spinach spilling out like a runaway train. But once you master it, the juicy chicken envelops the creamy filling in a way that’s pure magic. Trust me, it’s worth the mess.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season them with paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast using a sharp knife. Set the prepared chicken aside while you mix the filling.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped spinach, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Evenly spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pockets of each chicken breast.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1628kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 164g | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 556mg | Sodium: 3492mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Net Carbs: 8g
FAQ
- How long does it take to prepare and cook the spinach stuffed chicken breasts?
- The total time to prepare and cook the spinach stuffed chicken breasts is approximately 35 minutes, with 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.
- What ingredients are needed for the spinach filling in the chicken breasts?
- The filling requires cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- How do you create the pocket in the chicken breasts for stuffing?
- Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in the side of each chicken breast by slicing halfway through, similar to butterflying, but stopping halfway.
- Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
- Yes, the spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe is low in carbs and high in fat, making it suitable for a keto diet.
- What temperature should the oven be set to for baking the chicken?
- The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
Tips
- When cutting the pocket into the chicken breasts for stuffing, place one hand on top of the chicken to hold it steady and use a sharp knife to slice halfway through, stopping at the middle. This ensures you have a well-sized pocket for the filling.
- To enhance the flavors, make sure to mix your filling ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl before stuffing the chicken. This helps evenly distribute the cream cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings throughout the spinach mixture.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while baking to ensure it is cooked through without drying out. It should be ready after about 25-30 minutes in the oven, but you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If you’re following a keto diet, remember that this recipe is not only low in carbs but also provides a good source of potassium from the spinach, which is important for maintaining your electrolytes.
Equipment
- Sharp Knife: A good quality chef’s knife for cutting pockets into the chicken breasts.
- 9×13 Baking Dish: To bake the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for mixing the spinach filling and seasoning the chicken.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board for preparing the chicken and other ingredients.
