Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bake

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce—this dish is a guaranteed family favorite! With a crispy golden top and melty filling, it’s a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep and oven-baked to perfection.
• Packed with Flavor: Garlic, spinach, and a melty cheese center make this dish unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4)
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
• Paprika (1 tsp)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing

For the Filling:

• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)
• Fresh Spinach (1 ½ cups, chopped)
• Mozzarella Cheese (¾ cup, shredded)
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Chicken Broth (¾ cup)
• Heavy Cream (½ cup)
• Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, grated)
• Garlic (1 clove, minced)
• Cornstarch (1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water, optional for thickening)

Let’s Make Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bake

1. Prepare the Filling
   • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
2. Stuff the Chicken
   • Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally (do not cut all the way through). Stuff each pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.
3. Season the Chicken
   • Rub the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Sear the Chicken
   • In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove from heat.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
   • In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and stir until combined. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until it thickens.
6. Bake the Chicken
   • Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C).
7. Garnish and Serve
   • Remove the toothpicks, if used. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve with Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• A simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overstuff: Use just enough filling so the chicken can be securely closed.
• Pre-Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken locks in juices and enhances flavor.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for a vibrant flavor, but thawed frozen spinach (squeezed of excess water) works too.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Freeze: Wrap stuffed chicken in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, but the cooking time may vary.

What other cheeses can I use?
Try provolone, cheddar, or Gouda for a different flavor twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Stuff the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bake is the perfect balance of indulgent and comforting flavors. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Don’t forget to save some bread to mop up every last drop of that sauce!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 400 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 500mg

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