What is garlic spinach stuffed chicken?

Garlic spinach stuffed chicken is a flavorful dish made by stuffing chicken breasts or thighs with sautéed spinach, garlic, and melted mozzarella. This spinach and mozzarella stuffed chicken is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining juicy chicken with a cheesy, garlicky filling.

Can I make spinach stuffed chicken breast without cream cheese?

Yes! This garlic spinach stuffed chicken recipe works beautifully without cream cheese. Simply use mozzarella, feta, or a combination of cheeses to create a creamy, melty filling that keeps the dish light and family-friendly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Garlic spinach stuffed chicken thighs are juicier and offer a richer flavor. Adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out the spinach filling.

What sides go well with garlic spinach stuffed chicken?

Spinach stuffed chicken pairs perfectly with cooked rice, roasted vegetables, or a light pan sauce made from chicken broth or white wine. These sides complement the cheesy, garlicky filling and make a complete, balanced meal.

Garlic Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Name: Garlic Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter; ½ cup chicken broth or white wine (optional pan sauce); Cooked rice or roasted vegetables (optional)

Description

Juicy chicken breasts or thighs stuffed with garlicky sautéed spinach and melted mozzarella. This savory, cheesy dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a light sauce for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spinach Filling:

3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil or butter

Optional Sauce / Sides:

½ cup chicken broth or white wine (for a pan sauce)
Cooked rice or roasted vegetables

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, then stir in mozzarella. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice a pocket into each chicken breast or thigh, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the spinach and mozzarella mixture into each pocket and secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Optional Sauce
Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Deglaze skillet with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits for a simple pan sauce. Pour over chicken before serving.

Notes

Cheese Swap: Use feta or cream cheese instead of mozzarella for variation.
Meal Prep: Make ahead by prepping the filling; assemble chicken just before baking.
Thigh Option: Chicken thighs are juicier and require slightly longer baking.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with garlic butter rice, roasted veggies, or a light tomato sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Sauté + Oven-baked
Cuisine: American / Easy Dinner