Description
This easy stuffed chicken breast is creamy, savory, and brightened with lemon. Boneless chicken breasts are filled with a smooth cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella mixture, then seared until golden and baked with broth and lemon juice for a juicy, weeknight-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (packed)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken dry. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast to create a pocket (don’t cut all the way through). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
3. Spoon the filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Press to close; secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear stuffed chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Pour chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet around the chicken (not directly over the top).
6. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 18–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan over the chicken during the last 3–5 minutes of baking (or right after baking while hot) to melt and lightly crisp.
8. Rest 5 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, chop spinach finely so the filling stays creamy.
If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze very dry before mixing.
To prevent dry chicken, use an instant-read thermometer and pull at 165°F (74°C).
Swap cream cheese with part-skim ricotta for a lighter filling.
Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg