Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4boneless skinless chicken breasts
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 4 oz.cream cheese
softened
- ½ c.frozen spinach
defrosted, drained, and squeezed
- ⅓ c.chopped canned artichoke hearts
- 1 c.shredded mozzarella
divided
- crushed red pepper flakes
- 4strips bacon
cut into 4 strips
- 2 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Make slits widthwise in chicken, being careful not to cut all the way through chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, and ½ cup of mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fill every other slit with cream cheese mixture and fill remaining slits with a piece of bacon. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top and drizzle with oil.
- 3
Bake until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy, 35 minutes.
Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 48 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a dinner that feels special yet comes together in under an hour? These Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts deliver an extra-flavorful, cheesy experience perfect for weeknight meals or a memorable date night.
Your New Go-To Cheesy Chicken Dinner
What makes this recipe truly stand out is the hasselback-style preparation of the chicken breasts, creating perfect pockets for a generous, savory stuffing. You'll find a delightful blend of creamy softened cream cheese, earthy spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and two kinds of cheese—all tucked inside tender chicken. The addition of smoky bacon and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes elevates the flavor profile, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
When you slice into these golden chicken breasts, you'll be met with an incredibly tender interior and a luscious, gooey filling. The combination of textures—from the yielding chicken to the creamy, cheesy stuffing with bits of artichoke and spinach—is incredibly appealing. The bacon adds a wonderful salty crunch, while the red pepper flakes offer a subtle warmth without overwhelming the dish. This naturally gluten-free and nut-free main dish makes an impressive presentation without requiring advanced culinary skills.
Feel free to customize this dish to your liking. While mozzarella is specified, you could experiment with other good melting cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For a slightly different flavor, consider a different type of bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative, although the traditional bacon adds a wonderful depth. This versatile recipe is designed to adapt to your pantry and preferences.
These Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts are an ideal main dish for a cozy date night in or a hearty family dinner. Pair them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.