Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts – a healthy low carb dinner option!
There’s something inherently comforting about preparing a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, don’t you think? Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts has become a staple in my kitchen—a veritable hug on a plate. Picture this: crispy chicken, oozing with a creamy, seasoned spinach and cheese filling. It’s like a warm embrace after a long day. Plus, it’s perfect for those of us watching our carb intake, allowing you to indulge without that heavy feeling afterward.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine slicing into a juicy chicken breast, only to reveal a vibrant green filling that’s bursting with flavor. Not only does this dish look beautiful on the plate, but it also delivers a fantastic flavor punch. The creamy cheese mingles effortlessly with the earthy spinach, all perfectly balanced by spices that sing with every bite. And let’s not forget the crispy, seared edges of the chicken that add a delightful texture contrast. What makes this even better? It’s a one-pan wonder! You can whip it up on a busy weekday night or impress guests during the weekend without spending hours in the kitchen.
But beyond the deliciousness, making this dish is a strategic move for your health. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s low in carbs but high in flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable! You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary restrictions, making it as personal as your favorite pair of sweatpants. Cooking this recipe tonight means treating yourself and those you love to something special.
Gather these ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: You’ll want about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Opt for the thinner ones if you can; they’re easier to fill and cook through evenly. If you can find organic, that’s always a win!
- Fresh Spinach: A superstar in this dish—get yourself around 4 cups of fresh spinach. The vibrant green not only adds color but also packs in heaps of nutrients! If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach can work, but just make sure to drain it well.
- Cream Cheese: About 8 ounces will do the trick, lending that creamy goodness. Lite cream cheese can be a fantastic substitute if you are looking to cut calories.
- Cheese: I love a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for that ooey-gooey texture with a hint of savory sharpness from the parmesan. Feel free to use your favorites or even a dairy-free option if you’re looking to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These two are essential. A teaspoon each will elevate the flavor profile, giving it that home-cooked warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: A no-brainer! Freshly cracked pepper brings out the flavors beautifully, and a sprinkle of salt brings everything together.
Preparing Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts – a healthy low carb dinner option!
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step—your chicken needs this warmth to cook through and get that beautiful golden topping!
-
Prep the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it up until it’s well-combined and smooth. Taste a little to ensure it’s seasoned just how you like it!
-
Prepare the chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Be gentle; you want to create enough space for that filling but not slice right through. You know, a pocket big enough for a hearty filling but not so big that it spills out!
-
Stuff the chicken: Generously fill each pocket with the spinach mixture. Don’t be shy; pack it in there! Use toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary.
-
Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds so much flavor, so don’t skip it!
-
Bake it: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (the juices should run clear). If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F (75°C).
-
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for about five minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute—trust me, you want that!
Best way to enjoy it
The great thing about this dish is its versatility! Slice it up for a beautiful presentation, and serve it with a lemon wedge for a burst of freshness. You could pair it with a light salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or perhaps some roasted veggies on the side for texture. For something heartier, cauliflower rice or a creamy cauliflower mash is a fantastic low-carb option. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a beautiful pop of color!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep those juicy chicken breasts fresh, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3-4 days. For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave is simple, but consider popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that crispy exterior to come back to life.
If you want to make them last longer, feel free to freeze the stuffed chicken breasts! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and seal them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
Before diving into this delightful dish, here are a few pearls of wisdom: Always taste your filling before stuffing to ensure it’s seasoned just right. If you’re looking to elevate the filling, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for an extra layer of flavor. And when sealing the chicken, remember—no one likes a leaky filling, so make sure the pockets are well-closed!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the spinach for kale or add some roasted bell peppers for a colorful twist. You could even play with the cheese, using feta instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean flair! If you’re dialed into Asian flavors, try adding a splash of soy sauce along with sesame oil to the filling. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients List
- Chicken Breasts (4)
- Fresh Spinach (4 cups)
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces)
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup)
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Onion Powder (1 tsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olive Oil (for searing)
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Slice pockets into chicken breasts.
- Stuff each pocket with the spinach mixture.
- Sear chicken in hot olive oil in an oven-safe skillet.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Your questions answered
- How long does this take to prepare? Prep time is around 15-20 minutes, with cooking taking about 30 minutes.
- Can I use frozen spinach? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- What should I serve with it? A light salad, cauli rice, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices!
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is your target!
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken, stuff them, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Every bite of this dish is a delightful reminder that comfort food can be healthy too! So why not give it a whirl? I firmly believe you’ll fall in love with its flavors just like I did. Plus, don’t hesitate to experiment—this is your canvas! Embrace the process, enjoy tasting along the way, and most importantly, keep that kitchen magic alive. Happy cooking!
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts – a healthy low carb dinner option!
Description
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a healthy, low-carb dinner option that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, seasoned spinach and cheese filling.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).This is crucial for cooking the chicken evenly. -
Prepare the filling
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Mix until well-combined and smooth. -
Prepare the chicken
Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. -
Stuff the chicken
Generously fill each pocket with the spinach mixture. Use toothpicks to secure if necessary. -
Sear the chicken
Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side.This adds flavor; do not skip it! -
Bake the chicken
Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.The juices should run clear or use a thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C). -
Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.This helps keep the juices inside.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 27g42%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 2500 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin K 50 mcg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 150 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Magnesium 50 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
