I absolutely love sharing this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe because it’s like a little flavor explosion wrapped up in a tender chicken breast. The creamy, tangy filling paired with the smoky paprika-seasoned chicken makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels just a bit special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to make something that tasted like it came from a fancy restaurant. You’ll find that this stuffed chicken is not only pretty straightforward but also incredibly versatile – great whenever you want a dish that’s impressive but not intimidating. Plus, it’s perfect to prepare ahead and save for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of creamy cheeses, savory spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes every bite exciting.
- Simple and quick: You can have this main dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Customizable and forgiving: This recipe lets you tweak the filling to your taste without breaking a sweat.
- Perfect for meal prep: It reheats nicely, so you can enjoy it fresh or save it for later without losing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients combine fresh, creamy, and savory elements that complement each other beautifully. When shopping, pick fresh baby spinach and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Choose small, boneless, skinless ones for easier stuffing and quicker cooking.
- Salt: Balances flavors; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a subtle smoky depth that’s irresistible.
- Cream cheese: The smooth base of the filling that keeps everything creamy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty note that lifts the filling.
- Feta cheese: Offers tang and saltiness for a flavorful punch.
- Baby spinach: Brightens the filling with freshness and vibrant green color.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a sweet, tangy contrast that compliments the cheeses.
- Butter: For browning the chicken to a golden crust.
Variations
I love how flexible this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is – you can easily swap out or add ingredients to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Use goat cheese instead of feta: I once swapped in goat cheese for a creamier, tangy twist that my guests raved about.
- Add some fresh herbs: A handful of chopped basil or oregano can totally freshen up the filling.
- Make it spicy: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Go dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese and omit parmesan and feta for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Butterfly Your Chicken Breasts
Start by laying each chicken breast flat and slicing it horizontally through the middle, but be careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a pocket for the filling. This step might feel tricky at first, but take your time with a sharp knife. Season the outside generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to get that beautiful flavor and color in the final dish.
Step 2: Make the Filling Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, chopped baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mixing these ingredients together ahead of time ensures an even flavor distribution when stuffed into the chicken. I like to use a fork to mash and blend everything until creamy but still a bit chunky – it keeps texture interesting.
Step 3: Stuff and Secure
Carefully spoon the filling inside each butterflied chicken breast, then use toothpicks to close the edges and keep the filling from leaking out during cooking. Don’t worry if a little oozes – a bit adds to the flavor in the pan. Make sure the pockets are snug but not overstuffed to avoid tearing the chicken.
Step 4: Brown then Cook Through
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and hot, lay down the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them on each side until golden brown – about 3-4 minutes per side. After browning, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan to cook the chicken all the way through. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; 165°F is the safe sweet spot.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Butterflying technique: Use a sharp knife and a slow slicing motion – it’s easier and safer that way.
- Don’t overstuff: Overfilling can cause the chicken to tear and spill the filling while cooking.
- Use a thermometer: I learned this the hard way; checking doneness with a thermometer avoids overcooked dry chicken.
- Browning first: Getting a golden crust locks in juices and adds amazing flavor – don’t skip this step!
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or basil over the top just before serving – it adds a bright color and fresh herbaceous note that complements the richness really well. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side also brightens and balances the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are a simple lemony quinoa salad or garlic roasted asparagus. The light sides balance the creamy, cheesy chicken perfectly. Mashed potatoes or couscous also pair wonderfully if you want a more comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve the Stuffed Chicken Breast sliced into medallions, fanned out on the plate with a drizzle of pan sauce and a sprinkle of extra feta. It instantly ups the presentation game and lets everyone admire the lovely filling inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. This way, you’ve got a ready-to-eat protein for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the cooked chicken breasts successfully by placing them in a single layer in a shallow container. Wrapped tightly, they last well in the freezer for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
The best way I found to reheat leftovers is to cover them loosely with foil and warm them gently in the oven or in a pan on the stovetop to keep the chicken moist. While microwaving is convenient, it can dry out the chicken, so I save that as a last resort.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before mixing it into the cheese filling to avoid soggy chicken breasts.
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Is it possible to bake instead of pan-frying?
Definitely! You can brown the chicken in a pan first, then transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. This is handy if you’re making multiple servings.
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What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers work well for a similar sweet and tangy flavor, or you can skip them entirely for a milder filling.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Good news: The Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your sun-dried tomatoes and cheeses for any gluten additives.
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Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time before cooking?
Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them wrapped in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe has become one of my family’s favorite weeknight go-tos because it feels indulgent without any fuss. I hope you give it a try and enjoy that creamy, vibrant filling with every bite — it really is comfort food with a fresh twist. Once you master this, you might find yourself coming back to it again and again, just like I do!
PrintStuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese, Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, parmesan, feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pan-seared to golden perfection and cooked through, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter, for cooking
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through the middle, stopping just before cutting them in half. This creates a pocket for stuffing. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring even coating for flavor.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan, feta, chopped baby spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy blend.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the cheese and vegetable mixture into the butterflied chicken breasts. Use toothpicks to secure the edges and keep the filling inside. Some filling may fall out, which is normal and can be pressed back during cooking.
- Sear and cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Brown all sides evenly, taking care to keep the filling inside. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Notes
- To store: Allow the stuffed chicken breasts to cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Transfer the cooled, cooked chicken breasts to a shallow freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Reheat covered on the stovetop in a pan or in the oven to maintain moisture. Microwaving is possible but may cause the chicken to dry out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg