Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken

5.0
(2)
2 Reviews

These tender stuffed chicken breasts are packed with a blend of spinach and rich fontina cheese. If you can’t find fontina, or want something a little milder, Monterey Jack is a good substitute. While perfect for entertaining a larger group, this recipe can easily be cut in half for a game-changing weeknight dinner.

By
Catherine Jessee
Catherine Jessee
Catherine Jessee

Catherine Jessee is a test kitchen assistant at the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She has tested recipes for brands including Allrecipes, EatingWell, Food & Wine, Real Simple, People and Southern Living.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on March 21, 2024
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
Craig Ruff
Craig Ruff
Tested by Craig Ruff
Craig Ruff was first exposed to professional food service while working for an event center at the business school he was attending. There, he was responsible for maintaining the kitchen for caterers. He has been a lifelong cook, and followed his passion through culinary school and to working in restaurants.
Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
a recipe photo of the Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken
Photo:

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
the ingredients to make the Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 4 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus wedges for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Stir spinach, fontina, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and nutmeg together in a medium bowl until combined.

    a step in making the Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken

    Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall

  2. Cut a horizontal slit most of the way through the thickest portion of each chicken breast to form a pocket. Sprinkle the chicken evenly on both sides with pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stuff each pocket with about 1/2 cup spinach mixture. Secure the pocket using wooden picks around the edges, making sure the spinach mixture is completely enclosed.

    a step in making the Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken

    Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall

  3. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts top-sides down in the pan; cook, undisturbed, until golden, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and transfer the pan to the oven.

  4. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest parts registers 165°F, 15 to 18 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Remove the wooden picks. Cut each breast in half crosswise; transfer to a platter and drizzle with lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

    a step in making the Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken

    Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall

EatingWell.com, March 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

217 Calories
9g Fat
2g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1/2 stuffed chicken breast
Calories 217
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 100mg 33%
Vitamin A 125µg
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 28µg
Vitamin K 81µg
Sodium 448mg 19%
Calcium 111mg 9%
Iron 1mg 4%
Magnesium 45mg 11%
Potassium 441mg 9%
Zinc 1mg 13%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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