If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, then this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Cheeses, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite weekend cooking adventure. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a luscious blend of fresh spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of creamy cheeses that melt beautifully, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. It’s a dish that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly straightforward to make, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests without any stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not just simple staples; each brings something special to the dish, from vibrant color to creamy richness and mouthwatering savoriness. Together, they create the perfect balance of flavors and textures you’ll love.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust that locks in flavor and moisture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for our savory filling.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herby warmth and depth to both the inside and outside of the chicken.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken’s exterior.
- Fresh baby spinach: Provides freshness and a lovely vibrant green contrast inside the chicken.
- Cream cheese: The creamy binder that makes the filling rich and irresistible.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for gooey, stretchy bites.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that amps up the umami.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly and tangy, it introduces a delightful sharpness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture that elevate the filling.
- Garlic powder: A simple way to infuse aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: To season everything perfectly.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Cheeses, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the fresh chopped spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, half of the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash the cream cheese into the mixture with a fork until it binds together nicely — this will be your flavorful, creamy stuffing that holds its shape perfectly inside the chicken pockets.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season the outside liberally with the remaining Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning combination brings an inviting aroma and a savory crust to the chicken when seared.
Step 3: Create the Chicken Pockets
Using a small, sharp knife, cut a slit along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket big enough to hold a generous amount of filling but not so big that it falls apart. Be careful to keep the pocket intact, as this is where all the delicious filling goes!
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Spoon the creamy filling into each pocket and pack it in as fully as you can. This is where the magic happens — that luxurious filling is what transforms this simple chicken breast into an extraordinary meal.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. This step locks in juices and gives the chicken a beautiful color and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it directly to a 375°F oven and bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes. If not, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside. The result is tender, juicy chicken hugging that melty, flavorful filling.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Cheeses, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or extra crumbled feta over the top to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. A dash of cracked black pepper before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, a fresh mixed green salad, or even a light lemony quinoa. The aim is to complement the richness without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breasts crosswise to display the colorful filling for an elegant plate presentation. You can also lay the stuffed breasts atop a bed of sautéed veggies or creamy polenta to turn it into a lavish dinner that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any cooked leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as the filling settles, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Cheeses, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat stuffed chicken breasts gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave on medium power, but the oven method helps maintain texture best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture so the filling doesn’t become watery and the chicken stays juicy and intact.
What cheeses work best for this stuffed chicken recipe?
A combo of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta provides a balance of creaminess, melt, sharpness, and tanginess that makes the filling irresistible.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or keto-friendly?
For dairy-free, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use olive or coconut oil. For keto, this recipe already fits perfectly with high fat and low carb ingredients.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken breast for safe, juicy results.
Can I prep the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the filling a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Stuff the chicken just before cooking to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Cheeses, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is such a delightful way to elevate simple chicken into a heartfelt, delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding family or inviting friends over, this recipe delivers both comfort and elegance with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Cheeses, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a cheesy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, feta, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, seared to develop a golden crust, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Filling
- 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
- 4 oz. room temperature cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, mix together chopped fresh spinach, cream cheese cubes, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, half the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash the cream cheese into the mixture, ensuring the filling binds well.
- Heat oil: Warm olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken breasts.
- Season chicken: Season the outside of each chicken breast with the remaining Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Create pockets: Cut a small slit along the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff chicken: Divide the prepared filling evenly and stuff each chicken breast pocket as full as possible with the mixture.
- Sear chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot sauté pan and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until a golden brown crust forms. Sear in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Bake chicken: Transfer the sauté pan to the preheated oven (ensure the pan is oven-safe) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, with no pink inside, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and additional crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Rating request: If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a five-star rating and review!
Notes
- Ensure the sauté pan is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven, or transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish if not.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends better and helps the filling bind well.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- To save time, prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to stuff the chicken.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute some cheeses with lower-fat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
