Creamy Chicken and Spinach

If you are looking for a rich, flavorful, and comforting dinner idea, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach recipe is the perfect choice. With juicy chicken breasts stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, browned to perfection, roasted in the oven, and finished in a creamy garlic spinach sauce, this dish is both elegant enough for entertaining and easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Recipe

This recipe combines the tenderness of chicken with the bold flavors of garlic, parmesan, and spinach. The mozzarella stuffing ensures each bite is deliciously cheesy, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta, making it a family favorite you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–7 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting through. Season with salt and pepper. Place 2 slices of mozzarella inside and fold closed.
3. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer skillet to the oven. Roast for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
4. While chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream. Cook 3–4 minutes until thickened and bubbly.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese, then add spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
7. Remove chicken from oven, transfer to saucepan, and let simmer for 2 minutes in the creamy sauce.
8. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach dish is best served hot, right after simmering the chicken in the creamy spinach sauce. Pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp garden salad or garlic bread also makes a great side. Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Variations

• Mushroom Cream Sauce – Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the sauce while sautéing the garlic for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist – Stir in ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet balance to the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Swap – Replace mozzarella with gouda, provolone, or fontina for a different melty, gooey center.
• Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for heat lovers.
• Herbed Cream Sauce – Add fresh basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches.
• Kale Instead of Spinach – Swap spinach with kale for a heartier texture and added nutrition.
• White Wine Sauce – Replace half the chicken broth with dry white wine for an elegant touch.
• Bacon Lovers – Add crispy bacon crumbles to the sauce or stuff inside the chicken with the mozzarella.
• Vegetarian Version – Use thick portobello mushrooms in place of chicken breasts and follow the same cooking method for a meat-free option.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy, but adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out? Seal the chicken with toothpicks after stuffing to hold it together while browning and baking.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce.
4. Is it necessary to brown the chicken first? Browning adds flavor and seals in juices, but you can skip and bake directly if short on time.
5. Can I make the sauce lighter? Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick.
6. How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
7. Can I add more veggies? Absolutely, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all work well.
8. Will this recipe work with stuffed turkey cutlets? Yes, the same method applies, but turkey may need a longer baking time.
9. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce? Simmer longer after adding the cream or add a bit more flour at the start of the roux.
10. Can I meal-prep this? Yes, assemble the stuffed chicken in advance, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then cook and prepare the sauce fresh.

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that blends juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce with the freshness of spinach. It’s simple, versatile, and guaranteed to impress at the dinner table. Whether served on a weeknight or for guests, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Print