If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and impressive, the Spinach Herb Baked Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy spinach and herb filling that bursts with fresh flavor in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for company, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients each bring their own magic to this dish, combining freshness, creaminess, and herbs for that perfect baked chicken experience. From the vibrant spinach to the aromatic dried herbs, every component plays a vital role in the flavor and texture.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that gets juicy from the creamy filling inside.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a bright, earthy freshness and a lovely green color to the filling.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Delivers a rich, velvety texture that binds the filling ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy center.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of savory aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses a sweet, slightly peppery herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor that enhances the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken, locking in juices and creating that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Spinach Herb Baked Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing together the chopped fresh spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Then sprinkle in all the dried herbs—basil, thyme, and onion powder—plus salt and black pepper. Stir everything until it forms a well-blended, creamy mixture that’s packed with flavor and ready to stuff inside the chicken pockets.
Step 2: Create the Chicken Pockets
With a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. The goal is to create a space large enough to hold the spinach and herb filling without cutting through the other side. This step might seem a bit intimidating, but take your time and be gentle—it will absolutely pay off with delicious results. If the opening feels loose, you can secure it with toothpicks later on to keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and herb mixture. Be generous here because that filling is the star of the show! Once stuffed, gently press the opening closed or secure it with toothpicks to keep everything sealed snugly inside.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This quick sear locks in moisture and creates a beautiful, flavorful exterior that makes every bite a delight.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in your preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is cooked through, tender, and juicy with that luscious melted cheese and spinach filling inside.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for the most tender bite. Resist the urge to cut in right away—you’ll thank yourself once you experience how juicy and flavorful each piece is.
How to Serve Spinach Herb Baked Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle your Spinach Herb Baked Chicken with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also complements the herbs beautifully and adds a subtle savory finish. These simple garnishes will elevate the presentation and enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exquisitely with roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, adding a sweet and crunchy balance. Alternatively, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal light and refreshing. For something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice make fantastic companions that soak up the creamy filling’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to showcase the colorful filling and arrange them in a fan shape on your plate. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil or your favorite herb sauce for an elegant touch. Another idea is to stuff smaller chicken tenderloins the same way for bite-sized appetizers perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, place leftover Spinach Herb Baked Chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken sealed helps retain moisture and flavor, so reheated portions stay just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time or save extra servings, wrap each stuffed chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, bake the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a less crisp exterior. If desired, finish with a quick broil for 1-2 minutes to refresh the golden crust and melted cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess water before mixing it into the cream cheese and herbs. This step prevents the filling from becoming watery and keeps the texture perfect.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a substitute, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt can work well, though they’ll give a slightly different texture and tang. Cream cheese provides the richest, creamiest base, so whenever possible, it’s best to stick with that for this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is perfectly done and safe to eat. The juices should also run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken breasts stuffed with the spinach herb filling a few hours ahead of baking. Keep them refrigerated until ready to sear and bake to maintain freshness. This is great when you want to ease your dinner prep.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes! The Spinach Herb Baked Chicken Recipe is low in carbohydrates and full of protein and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for low-carb and gluten-free meal plans.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Spinach Herb Baked Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort with every bite, yet feels delightfully fresh thanks to the herbs and spinach. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, gooey, herby goodness that shines through in this dish!
Print
Spinach Herb Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Spinach Herb Baked Chicken featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. This low-carb, gluten-free main course is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach and herb mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the filling inside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Notes
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh, just make sure it is thawed and well-drained.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken before baking.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
