
Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, garlicky spinach and cheese filling, then seared and baked to golden perfection. This keto-friendly dinner is impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight — all in one pan.
4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 30 min · Total 45 min
American · Main Course · Dinner
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →Main
4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts butterflied or pounded to ½-inch thickness
2 tbsp olive oil divided
1 tsp salt divided
0.5 tsp black pepper divided
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Spinach Filling
5 oz fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
4 oz cream cheese softened
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment
Oven
Stovetop
Mixing Bowl
Skillet
Paper Towel
Toothpick
Wooden Spoon
Knife
Pan
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
Meat Thermometer
Instructions
- Preheat your #[Oven] to ![400°F]. Heat ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Olive Oil] in an #[Oven]-safe #[Skillet] over ^[medium heat]. Add the minced @[Garlic] and sauté for ~[30 seconds] until fragrant. Add the chopped @[Baby Spinach] and cook, stirring frequently, for ~[2–3 minutes] until fully wilted. Season with a pinch of @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper], then transfer to a #[Mixing Bowl] and let cool for ~[5 minutes].
- Add the softened @[Cream Cheese], shredded @[Mozzarella Cheese], grated @[Parmesan Cheese], and @[Red Pepper Flakes] (if using) to the cooled @[Baby Spinach] mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Pat the @[Chicken Breast] dry with paper towels. Using a sharp #[Knife], cut a deep horizontal pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the outside of each breast with @[Garlic Powder], @[Smoked Paprika], and the remaining @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper].
- Spoon the @[Baby Spinach] filling evenly into each pocket, pressing it in gently. Secure the opening with ~[2–3 toothpicks] to keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Heat the remaining ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Olive Oil] in the same #[Oven]-safe #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat]. Once shimmering, add the stuffed @[Chicken Breast] and sear for ~[3–4 minutes] per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the #[Skillet] to the preheated ![400°F] #[Oven] and bake for ~[18–22 minutes], until the internal temperature of the @[Chicken Breast] reaches %[165°F]. Remove from the #[Oven], let rest for ~[5 minutes], then remove the toothpicks before serving.






