What are some comfort food recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen? I remember my grandma making these elaborate, show-stopping meals, and while I loved them, who made them? Does anyone have time for that every night? What is the best recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breast? Think of it as a leveled-up chicken dinner, but instead of being bland and boring, it’s bursting with flavor. What is garlicky goodness? Is it like Baked Chicken but with the flavor punch of a good spinach? I think this rivals even some of my favorite pasta dishes in terms of satisfaction – and it’s delicious. Is it healthy? What are some good, easy recipes?What are some good stuffed chicken breast recipes?, this is a real winner.
What is Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast?
What is a flavor explosion? Imagine tender, juicy Chicken Breasts, sliced open and practically overflowing with a creamy, dreamy sauce. What are some good ways to serve spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheese? Think of it as your favorite spinach artichoke dip, but stuffed inside a perfectly cooked chicken. It’s essentially a self-contained meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly elegant. What is a name? What is the best way to transform a plain chicken breast into something special? Is it the kind of dish that looks impressive but is secretly incredibly easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? First and foremost, the flavor is outstanding. What is the perfect combination of savory chicken, tangy artichoke hearts, and creamy spinach? Is this a crowd pleaser even with picky eaters? Secondly, it’s surprisingly simple. Once you get the hang of butterflying a chicken breast (more on that later! ), the rest is a breeze. What is the best way to cook a turkey? Plus, it’s pretty cost-efficient. Chicken breasts are generally affordable, and you can easily find canned artichoke hearts and frozen. What is spinach on sale? What I love about this is its versatility. You can easily adapt the filling to your liking. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or pinch of red pepper flakes for some crunch. I sometimes throw in some cooked bacon for extra smokiness (because bacon!). If you’re comparing this to something like a complicated Chicken Cordon Bleu, well, there’s no point. Comparison in terms of ease. What are some good weeknight movies to watch?What are some of the best stuffed chicken breast recipesKeep reading!
How do you make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Quick Overview
How do I make this dish? How do you butterfly Chicken Breasts, whip up a super flavorful spinach artichoke? What is the best way to fill a chicken breast with filling and bake it until golden brown and cooked through. What takes this from “meh” to “wow”? Don’t be intimidated by the butterflying process. What is a fancy way of saying “slice it in half horizontally”?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Look for breasts that are about the same size and thickness so they cook evenly.
* 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing and adding flavor.
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of color and smokiness.
* Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For the Filling:
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry. If you squeeze out as much liquid as possible, your filling will be watery.
* 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: 1 pound. I prefer the kind packed in water, not oil.
* 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is the key to the creamy texture.
What are the best ways to use Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty flavor?
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Trust me on this one; it adds richness and moisture.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is always best!
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick.
* Salt and pepper to taste: Again season generously!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. I like to use a glass baking dish for even cooking.
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken
Place chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of the breast, almost all the way through. How do you open a book? Don’t cut all the way through! What is the best way to flatten a chicken breast with your palm? I sometimes use a meat mallet to gently pound it to an even thickness, but it’s not necessary.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Brush both sides of the butterflied chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to season them well. What is the best way to add flavor to chicken?
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, softened cream, and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients for Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and Red Pepper flakes? Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. What are some ways to get creative and add any other ingredients you like?
Step 5: Stuff the Chicken
Divide the spinach artichoke filling evenly among the chicken breasts. Spread the filling over one half of each breast, then fold the other half over the Filling. Don’t overstuff them, or the filling will ooze out during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°C. I always use a meat thermometer. The filling should be bubbly and the chicken should have a golden brown color.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and Flavorful Chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
5. What to Serve It With
This What are some good Stuffed Chicken Breast recipes?Can be served as a full meal on its own?
For a Light Lunch:Serve with a light vinaigrette. What is a good salad to serve with chicken?
For Dinner:What are the best side dishes to serve with asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts? Is it good to serve this with Mashed Potatoes or rice? I make a batch of creamy polenta and it’s delicious!
For a Crowd:Make a big batch of stuffed chicken breasts and serve them with side dishes like pasta. Salad, Potato Salad, and green salad. What are the best potluck recipes? My family loves this recipe served with garlic bread!
How do I make a creamy spinach stuffed chicken breast?
What are some of the things I have learned over the years making this recipe?
Spinach Prep: Make sure you really squeeze out all the excess water from the thawed spinach. I use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring it out. Soggy spinach will ruin the texture of the filling.
Cream Cheese: Softening the cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy filling. I usually leave it out at room temperature for about an hour, or you can microwave it for a few seconds.
Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses in the filling. I’ve used mozzarella, Gruyere, and even a little bit of goat cheese with great results.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work. Just don’t use garlic salt, or your filling will be too salty.
Baking Time: The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pack as much filling as possible into the chicken breasts, but resist the urge! Overstuffed chicken breasts are more likely to leak filling during baking.
I also found that adding a dash of nutmeg in the cheese gives the stuffing a bit of pizzazz!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast tasting its best:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become a little dry.
Glaze Timing Advice: No glaze on this one, folks! But if you were adding a sauce, add it after reheating to make it taste like new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipes a try. It’s one of those recipes that always delivers, no matter what. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of flavors is just divine, and it’s a great way to get your veggies in! And who doesn’t love cheese? If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my baked parmesan chicken recipe, or some of my chicken salads. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you made. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 0.25 cup Chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally almost all the way through.
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Fold the chicken breasts in half and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
