When I originally published this recipe for stuffed chicken breast with spinach, I needed easy dinners more than ever. My second little girl was just a week old! I was tired, without much time to cook, and grateful that my freezer was piled high with chicken meals, like chicken bacon ranch casserole and this spinach stuffed chicken breast. Years later, it’s still one of my favorite 30-minute chicken recipes — and it’s a great way to hide veggies behind cheesy goodness.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best spinach stuffed chicken breast ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, 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
This section shows how to make stuffed chicken breast with spinach, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Meal prep: Make the spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe as directed, except don’t bake it. Instead, let it cool after searing, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When it’s time for dinner, simply place your pan in the oven. Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350 degree F, or warm up in the microwave. Freeze: Store in a freezer container or zip lock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my 30 Dinners In 30 Minutes and Healthy Ebook Bundle!
