Chicken breast is having a moment, and that moment is this Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe. Lean chicken breast with a creamy, cheesy, and herby spinach filling tucked inside, it’s surprisingly easy to make and will instantly upgrade your night.
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This stuffed chicken breast recipe makes a weeknight staple feel special!
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is an appealing cut of meat because it’s healthy and widely approved by even picky eaters (especially if it’s Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast or Pecan Crusted Chicken).
It can also be dry and a total snooze fest. But not when you use it to make this stuffed chicken breast recipe!
(I use the same trick in Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Stuffed Salmon, and Stuffed Pork Chops.)
- This Greek-meets-Italy feta, spinach, and Parmesan recipe is simple, tastes fresh, and is the best stuffed chicken breast I’ve ever had.
- In addition to being ultra tasty, the very idea of a cheesy filling waiting inside each piece turns it into a present on your plate (just like the ham and white cheddar cheese stuffed Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu!).
- What also makes this recipe especially good is searing the chicken breasts on the stove before finishing them in the oven. Searing gives the chicken a golden, lightly crisp outside, a more robust flavor, and it jump-starts the melty filling.
5 Star Review
“What a breeze to prepare and so delicious. We loved it, so flavorful. It will definitely be in the rotation.”
— Diana —
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Chicken Breast. Approved by adults and kids alike. It’s a protein-packed, tender blank canvas that’s ideal for pairing with a wide range of flavors (like those in the stuffing).
- Baby Spinach. Rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins, fresh spinach is an ultra nutritious addition to the stuffing. Its mild flavor makes it kid-friendly. Love and want more spinach? Check out my Sautéed Spinach.
- Shallot. Onion’s milder cousin, it builds an aromatic filling base.
- Spices. Dried sage, dried oregano, pepper, and nutmeg pump up the flavor in our stuffing and give it depth. If you have fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme, feel free to add them too.
- Feta. Salty, tangy, cheesy goodness that pairs beautifully with the other flavors in the stuffing.
- Parmesan. The other can’t-miss, crowd-pleasing cheesy component in our stuffing.
- Walnuts. Walnuts add a spectacular nuttiness that gives the filling a gourmet taste you’ll feel proud of yourself for cooking.
- Butter. Helps create a delicious sear on the chicken breasts and adds rich flavor.
- Lemon. Adds wonderful brightness and acidity to the chicken.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast
Prep the Chicken (photo 1). Cut slits in the chicken breasts. Dry the chicken and sprinkle salt over the top.
Make the Filling (photo 2). Saute the shallot in a skillet, then stir in the spinach. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the walnuts and cheeses (no need to put them in a separate bowl).
Stuff the Chicken (photo 3). Use your fingers or small spoon to place the stuffing mixture into the chicken breast pockets. Seal the openings with toothpicks.
Cook (photo 4). Sear the chicken with butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Bake stuffed chicken breast at 425 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest (the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should be 165 degrees F). Finish with lemon juice and ENJOY!
Wine Pairing
Serve spinach stuffed chicken with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir.
Meal Plan Tip
You can prepare stuffed chicken breasts in advance! Cook the stuffing ingredients and prepare the chicken pocket up to 1 day in advance. You also can fully stuff the chicken, then refrigerate it for up to 6 hours. Sear and bake just before serving.
Leftover Ideas
Serve leftovers over pasta with red sauce, or try this spinach stuffed chicken breast with cream sauce (like in this Chicken Alfredo Bake). This stuffed chicken would also be tasty over a bed of simple Quick Garlic Pasta with Olive Oil and Parmesan, cooked brown rice, or mashed potatoes.
What to Serve With This Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Rice. Lemon Rice has a little Mediterranean flair, making it perfect with this feta and spinach stuffed chicken!
- Salad. Serve the chicken over Arugula Salad or with Mediterranean Salad.
- Vegetables. So many veggie sides will work here! Sauteed Carrots, Grilled Asparagus, or Air Fryer Eggplant would all be fab.
Stuffed Chicken Breast Video
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Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Video
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Ingredients
- 4 6-to 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 medium shallot finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Cut pockets in the chicken breasts: Place a cutting board on the counter, making sure that it is steadily in place and doesn't slide around (if it is slipping, place a damp paper towel underneath). Lay a breast on the cutting board and press your hand on top to hold it into place. Insert the tip of a sharp chef’s knife into the center of the thickest part of the breast. First, cut a slit that is 4 inches wide in the thickest part (leave the thin end uncut). Then, use the knife to make the opening deeper, cutting 3/4 of the way through the breast towards the other side. Do not cut all the way through. Repeat with the remaining breasts. With paper towels, pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle the outsides with 3/4 kosher salt.
- In a large, oven-safe, non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed so that the shallot softens but does not burn.
- Stir in the sage, oregano, pepper, nutmeg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and last the garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, stirring until it wilts. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the feta, walnuts, and Parmesan.
- Stuff the filling inside the breast, dividing it evenly between each.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks, threading the toothpicks so that they are parallel to the counter (you'll need 1 or 2 toothpicks per breast).
- With paper towels, carefully wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat. Add the butter.
- Once the butter melts, add the chicken (be careful to lower it into the pan away from you) and sear on each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until light golden.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken registers 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Transfer to a plate, cover and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy, with a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm chicken in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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