Easy Baked Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Perfect Weeknight or Entertaining Dinner
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these delicious chicken rolls, generously stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach and cream cheese. Each chicken breast is lovingly coated in crispy panko parmesan breadcrumbs, then rolled and baked to golden perfection. This recipe is not just an easy everyday dinner solution; it’s also elegant enough to impress your guests for any special occasion.
Without a doubt, this Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a culinary triumph. It’s the kind of dish that garners rave reviews and quickly becomes a family favorite. If you’re searching for a meal that truly embodies the phrase “winner winner chicken dinner,” look no further. This recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and pure satisfaction.
The Inspiration Behind a Beloved Dish
This exceptional recipe was lovingly passed down and inspired by my wonderful mother-in-law. She introduced me to this incredible dish, which has since become one of my absolute favorite meals. Her version of these stuffed chicken breasts is simply legendary. I still remember the evening she first served it; the aroma alone captivated us even before the plates hit the table. The sight of that crispy, golden-brown chicken, with hints of rich, melted cream cheese peeking out, was enough to make us all fall instantly in love. The tantalizing garlicky, bubbly, and cheesy fragrance that filled the air during the 45 minutes it took to bake them was pure torment – the best kind of torment, of course!
My husband, Anees, especially adored this protein-packed, cheesy dinner. His enthusiastic reaction was so heartwarming that I had a brief moment of guilt for sometimes venturing into more “out-of-the-box” culinary creations (like my baked quinoa falafel or Mediterranean pearl couscous salad). While he would never complain, I knew deep down that this man needed a chicken breast loaded with cheese and perfectly crispy on the outside. It was a culinary mission I had to accomplish!
A Harmonious Blend of Flavors and Textures
But rest assured, this meal isn’t *just* about the indulgent cheese and chicken – though there’s plenty of both! It’s also generously packed with my favorite super veggie: spinach. We combine tender baby spinach with aromatic garlic and fresh scallions, mixing them into creamy cream cheese, along with a perfect blend of seasonings. This thoughtful addition ensures that while you’re savoring every cheesy bite, you’re also getting a healthy dose of greens. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
The magic doesn’t stop there. The chicken breasts are then coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan (or Asiago) cheese, creating an irresistibly crispy exterior. Inside, the succulent chicken cradles the rich spinach and cream cheese filling, further enhanced by a slice of melty Swiss cheese (mozzarella also works beautifully for a classic touch). Every element in this dish works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Preparing this meal will make you feel like a true culinary queen (or king)!
So, let’s walk through how this deliciousness comes together. The first step is to prepare the vibrant spinach and cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, you’ll combine the softened cream cheese, freshly chopped baby spinach, minced garlic, thinly sliced scallions, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. A rubber spatula is perfect for gently folding all these ingredients together until well combined and ready to become the heart of your chicken breast.
Crafting Your Stuffed Chicken Masterpiece
Next comes what many find to be the most satisfying (and a little messy!) part: stuffing and rolling the chicken. Begin by preparing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Butterfly each breast, then use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently flatten them to about a half-inch thickness. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also creates a larger surface area for an even stuffing and rolling process. Feel free to release any pent-up stress as you pound the chicken, just be careful not to tear any holes – they can be tricky to seal later!
Once your chicken is prepped, spoon a generous portion of the creamy spinach and cream cheese mixture onto each flattened breast. Top this with a slice of Swiss cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor). Now for the fun part: carefully roll up the chicken breasts, starting from one end. Use sturdy toothpicks to secure the ends, ensuring that all that delectable cheesy goodness stays tucked inside during baking. This prevents any precious filling from escaping. For that irresistible crunch, dip each stuffed chicken breast first into lightly beaten eggs, then roll them generously in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. A light spritz of cooking spray over the breaded chicken helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness. Finally, bake them for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until cooked through and gloriously golden.
This dish truly embodies the essence of a perfect chicken dinner, suitable for any season. The freshness of the baby spinach, the fragrant garlic, and, of course, the irresistible cheese, all come together to create a symphony of flavors. It’s an ideal recipe for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, yet equally impressive when you’re entertaining guests. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a staple in any kitchen.
Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
Delicious chicken rolls with spinach and cream cheese. Spinach cream cheese stuffed chicken breast with Panko parmesan breadcrumbs are rolled up and baked. An easy everyday dinner or perfect for entertaining!
Ingredients
For the spinach and cream cheese filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (light is fine but don’t use fat free)
- 1/2 cup packed, baby spinach, chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves (1 tablespoon) fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 jalapeno, minced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the stuffed chicken breasts:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs (regular or whole wheat)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or asiago cheese)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For the spinach and cream cheese filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to make sure all the ingredients are mixed throughout.
For the stuffed chicken breasts:
- Place a rack near the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Butterfly each chicken breast and, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, flatten each to about a 1/2 inch thickness.
- Spread a quarter of the filling mixture onto each chicken breast; top each with a slice of Swiss cheese. Carefully roll up the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
- Place the beaten eggs in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine Panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast first in the eggs and then into the panko parmesan mixture. Make sure the breasts are well coated. Discard any extra mixture.
- Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the outside is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure to remove toothpicks before eating.
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