Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is a deliciously savory main dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon. Each tender chicken breast is filled with a blend of creamy spinach and melted Swiss or mozzarella cheese, adding a rich layer of flavor. The bacon wrap crisps up beautifully, creating a delightful contrast to the juicy chicken and creamy filling. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces fresh spinach (or ⅔ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 2 ounces Swiss or mozzarella cheese, sliced into 4 pieces
• 2 tablespoons spreadable cream cheese, herb & garlic flavor (or substitute with plain cream cheese plus ½ tsp each of dried herbs like parsley and garlic powder)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 oz each)
• 8 slices bacon
• Cajun or chicken seasoning, optional for added flavor

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

• Coarsely chop the fresh spinach. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stir the spinach until wilted. Mix in the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is melted and creamy. Let it cool completely before stuffing the chicken.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Butterfly each chicken breast horizontally (slice through the middle but don’t cut all the way through) and open like a book. Lightly pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

1. Stuff the Chicken:

• Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Top each with a slice of Swiss or mozzarella cheese. Fold the chicken breasts over to enclose the filling.

1. Wrap with Bacon:

• Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed. Sprinkle with Cajun or chicken seasoning for extra flavor, if desired.

1. Bake the Chicken:

• Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. Remove from the oven, discard the toothpicks, and serve.

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Tips for Success

• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Crispy Bacon Tip: For extra-crispy bacon, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Herb and Garlic Alternatives: If you don’t have herb and garlic cream cheese, add a pinch of dried basil, thyme, and garlic powder to plain cream cheese for added flavor.

Serve this spinach-stuffed chicken breast with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy the creamy filling and juicy chicken with every bite!