Description
This Herb and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Tender chicken is filled with a rich blend of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then seared and baked to golden perfection. It’s an impressive main dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or thawed and well-drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of each breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the outside of each chicken breast on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Stuff each chicken breast with an even amount of the spinach and cheese mixture, pushing it gently into the pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Remove toothpicks before eating.
Notes
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible so the filling stays thick and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling to taste; a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick.
- Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts—rely on an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 430 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 18 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 0.5 g (approx.)
- Protein: 36 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 120 mg (approx.)
Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, herb and cheese stuffed chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, cream cheese chicken, easy chicken dinner