Stuffed Chicken with Spinach: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe for Dinner

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Stuffed Chicken with Spinach is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken and vibrant spinach, creating a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe has its roots in various culinary traditions, where stuffing meats with vegetables and herbs has been a time-honored technique to enhance flavor and texture. The combination of juicy chicken breast and creamy, seasoned spinach filling not only pleases the palate but also offers a visually appealing presentation that is perfect for any occasion.

People love Stuffed Chicken with Spinach for its versatility and convenience. It can be served as a weeknight dinner or dressed up for a special gathering, making it a go-to recipe for many home cooks. The dish is not only packed with protein but also incorporates the health benefits of spinach, making it a wholesome choice for families. With its savory filling and succulent chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Stuffed Chicken with Spinach this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Filling

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  3. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Stuffing the Chicken

  1. Take a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
  2. Once all the chicken breasts are stuffed, place them in a greased baking dish.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth and lemon juice together. Pour this mixture over the stuffed chicken breasts in the baking dish.
  2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Serving the Dish

  1. Carefully remove the toothpicks from the stuffed chicken breasts, if used.
  2. Slice the chicken in half to reveal the delicious spinach and cheese filling inside.
  3. Serve the stuffed chicken on a plate, drizzling some of the pan juices over the top for added flavor.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and pair with your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before stuffing.
  • Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or different types of cheese.
  • If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can sear the stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before baking.
  • Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.

Storing Leftovers

  • Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place the chicken Stuffed Chicken with Spinach

    Conclusion:

    In summary, this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with a dish that is both delicious and visually impressive. The combination of tender chicken breast, creamy cheese, and nutrient-rich spinach creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Not only is it a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your meals, but it also offers a satisfying protein boost that will keep you feeling full and energized. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your stuffed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also experiment with variations by adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or different types of cheese to the stuffing for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different proteins, such as turkey or pork, to create your own version of this delightful recipe. We encourage you to try this Stuffed Chicken with Spinach recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, we’re confident that it will become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out and any creative variations you came up with! Happy cooking! Print
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    Stuffed Chicken with Spinach: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe for Dinner

    • Author: Maria
    • Total Time: 60 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    Print Recipe

    Description

    This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach. Baked to perfection, it’s a flavorful dish that makes it easy to enjoy greens in your meal. Perfect for a satisfying dinner!

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
    3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
    4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    5. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
    6. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
    7. Take a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
    8. Once all the chicken breasts are stuffed, place them in a greased baking dish.
    9. In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth and lemon juice together. Pour this mixture over the stuffed chicken breasts in the baking dish.
    10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
    11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
    12. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
    13. Carefully remove the toothpicks from the stuffed chicken breasts, if used.
    14. Slice the chicken in half to reveal the delicious spinach and cheese filling inside.
    15. Serve the stuffed chicken on a plate, drizzling some of the pan juices over the top for added flavor.
    16. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and pair with your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

    Notes

    • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before stuffing.
    • Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or different types of cheese.
    • If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can sear the stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before baking.
    • Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 40 minutes

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