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Stuffed Spinach Mozzarella Chicken Breast

Stuffed spinach mozzarella chicken breast recipe for easy weeknight dinners.

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This stuffed spinach mozzarella chicken breast is a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends. It transforms simple ingredients into a juicy, flavor-packed main course with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. The leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches or salads the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pasta sauce
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Place a chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping about 1/2 inch from the opposite edge to create a pocket. Repeat with all breasts.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped spinach, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
  4. Divide the filling evenly among the four chicken pockets, pressing it in gently. Do not overstuff. Use toothpicks to secure the open edges if needed.
  5. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper all over the outside.
  6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the dish and spoon the marinara sauce over the top of each breast. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat cream cheese. You can use frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed very dry) instead of fresh. Letting the chicken rest after baking is crucial for juicy results. The stuffed chicken can be assembled and frozen before baking for up to 2 months.

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