This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory, creamy mixture of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheeses, then baked to perfection. Whether I’m preparing it for a cozy weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this dish always delivers both flavor and presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the bold and creamy filling complements the lean chicken. The prep is straightforward, and the flavors taste like something from a fine restaurant. It also makes for a great meal prep option—easy to reheat and just as delicious the next day. Whether I’m looking for something special or just a dependable dinner, this recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling:
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ teaspoon onion powder
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1 pinch red pepper flakes
Directions
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I start by preheating my oven to 375°F.
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I season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté spinach and garlic until wilted. Then I add the sun-dried tomatoes and remove from heat.
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I combine the spinach mixture with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and all the herbs and spices in a bowl until well mixed.
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Using a sharp knife, I cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff them with the filling.
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I sear the stuffed chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides.
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Finally, I transfer them to a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I switch up the filling depending on what I have on hand. I’ve added mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even swapped in feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. For a spicy kick, a few chopped jalapeños go a long way. I also like to experiment with different herbs for a slightly new flavor each time.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and the filling warm and creamy. I avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, I can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and work well, although I find them a bit trickier to stuff due to their smaller size.
Can I freeze the stuffed chicken breasts?
Absolutely. I usually freeze them before baking by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version?
Yes, I can either skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives like almond- or cashew-based cream cheese and vegan mozzarella.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
I always use toothpicks to secure the chicken after stuffing. Also, I try not to overfill the pocket. A good sear before baking helps seal the edges too.
What side dishes go well with stuffed chicken breast?
I often serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad. For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash or sautéed zucchini works beautifully.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is one I keep coming back to. It’s full of rich, savory flavors, and the creamy filling pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. I love how versatile it is—easy enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough for a dinner party. Once I made it the first time, it quickly became part of my regular rotation. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorites too.
Print
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy filling of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheeses, then seared and baked to perfection. Elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Filling:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté spinach and garlic until wilted. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix spinach mixture with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with filling. Use toothpicks if needed to secure.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Notes
- Switch filling with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or feta/goat cheese for variation.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken and prevent filling from leaking.
- Freeze before baking for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
