Dinner just got next-level delicious with Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken! Imagine juicy chicken breasts loaded with a creamy, cheesy spinach-artichoke filling—this recipe transforms a weeknight meal into something downright crave-worthy, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken delivers restaurant-worthy results with super straightforward prep.
- Flavor-Packed Filling: The cheesy, tangy artichoke-spinach stuffing melts perfectly inside every bite for an irresistible flavor combo.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters get excited about this creamy, comforting twist on classic chicken.
- Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily adjust seasonings or swap cheeses, making it perfect for any occasion or craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make this dish taste like pure comfort. Each component brings something special: juicy chicken, creamy cheeses, bright spinach, and tangy artichoke, all seasoned to perfection for irresistible flavor and mouthwatering texture.
- Chicken Breasts (4, boneless & skinless): Opt for medium, evenly sized breasts so everything cooks through perfectly and holds plenty of filling.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken’s golden crust.
- Garlic Powder (2 tsp): Infuses the chicken with mellow savory notes, complementing the fresh garlic in the filling.
- Onion Powder (1 tsp): Enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp for filling): Brings out all the flavors in both the chicken and the creamy stuffing.
- Black Pepper (1/4 + 1/4 tsp): Adds subtle peppery bite to both the chicken seasoning and the filling.
- Vegetable Oil (1-2 tsp): For a golden, delicious pan sear—feel free to use olive oil if you prefer.
- Cream Cheese (2 oz, softened): The ultimate creamy base for your stuffing that helps everything bind.
- Sour Cream (2 tbsp): Lends a subtle tang and silky texture to the filling.
- Fresh Garlic (1-2 cloves, minced): Fresh pops of flavor that shine through in every bite.
- Fresh Spinach (1 cup, packed): Bright green color and plenty of nutrition—chop it coarsely for the perfect texture.
- Canned Artichokes (4 oz, peeled): Give the stuffing that classic artichoke dip flavor! Drain well and chop for best results.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melty, gooey, and oh-so dreamy inside the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese (2 tbsp, grated): Delivers a punch of salty, nutty flavor that rounds out the filling.
Variations
The beauty of Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken is how inviting it is to experiment and make it your own! Whether you’re chasing a bolder kick, adapting for allergies, or switching up textures, there’s a delicious spin for everyone.
- Swap the Cheeses: Try feta for a briny twist, pepper jack for a little spice, or goat cheese for luscious creaminess.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, patted dry) add sweet-tart depth and pockets of flavor.
- Make it Low-Carb/Keto: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can skip the onion powder or use dairy-free substitutes for special diets.
- Use Thighs Instead: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and yield extra-juicy, rich results—just reduce baking time accordingly.
How to Make Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry—this helps the seasoning stick and ensures a beautiful sear. Mix up your paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then coat each piece generously. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high, and sear the chicken on both sides for a couple of minutes until you see a lovely golden color. This step not only locks in juiciness but also builds great flavor from the start.
Step 2: Slash and Stuff
Once seared, let the chicken cool just enough to handle. Carefully slice lengthwise through each breast, stopping about three-quarters of the way (so you don’t cut it in half!). The pocket should be deep enough to hold a hearty scoop of filling but not so deep that it splits open.
Step 3: Mix Up the Dreamy Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, spinach, chopped artichokes, mozzarella, parmesan, and seasoning until thick and chunky. This is where the magic happens—the mixture should hold together and be robust enough to scoop, but don’t worry if it looks a little rustic!
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Stuff each chicken pocket with 2–3 tablespoons of spinach artichoke filling, gently pressing it in. Avoid overstuffing—it really will spill out as it bakes! Place the stuffed chicken back into your oven-safe skillet or a large casserole dish (if your skillet isn’t oven-proof), and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part shows 165°F.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the oven to lock in those juices and let the filling settle. Plate it up, spoon any cheesy goodness from the bottom of the pan right over the top, and get ready for rave reviews at your table!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
- Chicken Pocket Perfection: Use a sharp paring knife to slice just deep enough, and work slowly to avoid split chicken—this keeps all your creamy filling in place.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the stuffed chicken breasts a little breathing room in the baking dish; it ensures even cooking and perfectly browned edges.
- Softened Cream Cheese Shortcut: If you forgot to soften your cream cheese, microwave it for 10–15 seconds—no more, or it might melt!
- Test for Doneness: Always check with a thermometer—165°F at the thickest part is your signal for moist, cooked-through chicken every time.
How to Serve Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan, a few fresh-cut chives, or a light dusting of paprika right before serving to make those colors pop and flavors sing. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon adds fresh, vibrant notes and brightens up the plate.
Side Dishes
This creamy, baked chicken begs for crunchy and fresh sides! Try pairing it with garlicky green beans, a crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette, or fluffy mashed potatoes for the coziest comfort meal. Roasted asparagus, steamed basmati rice, or even garlic bread also make irresistible companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, slice each chicken breast diagonally to reveal the gorgeous filling, then arrange the slices over a bed of wilted spinach or creamy polenta. Individual ramekins with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top look charming, while serving family-style in a cast iron skillet makes for a cozy, rustic centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, staying juicy and flavorful. The filling will firm up slightly, which actually makes sliced leftovers perfect for meal prepping salads or wraps.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed, unbaked chicken breasts for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for best protection. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Leftover cooked chicken can also be frozen but may lose a bit of creaminess upon reheating.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat the chicken gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through—about 15 minutes. You can also microwave slices in 30-second bursts, but covering with a damp paper towel locks in moisture and keeps the filling nice and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I make Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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What if I don’t have fresh spinach or artichokes?
Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) works great in place of fresh. For artichokes, use frozen or jarred hearts, as long as you drain and chop them well so you don’t introduce excess moisture.
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How can I keep the filling from spilling out while baking?
Don’t overfill the chicken, and use toothpicks to secure open edges if needed. Also, make sure to cut the pocket deep enough but not all the way through—this helps keep all the cheesy goodness inside.
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Is Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe contains no breadcrumbs or flour. Just check your cheeses and sour cream to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new weeknight staple or want something extra-special for your next at-home date night, Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken will win hearts (and taste buds) every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how your family loves it, and don’t forget to make it your own!
PrintEasy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
This Easy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken recipe is a delicious way to enjoy tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy and flavorful spinach and artichoke mixture.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tsp vegetable oil
Spinach Artichoke Mixture:
- 2 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
- 4 oz canned artichoke hearts, peeled
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Pre-heat oven to 350℉.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pat dry chicken breasts and sprinkle seasoning on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Prepare Mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, spinach, artichoke, mozzarella, parmesan, salt, and pepper for the stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Cut a slit in each chicken breast, stuff with spinach artichoke mixture.
- Bake: Place stuffed chicken in an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165℉ internally.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overstuff the chicken to prevent spillage during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg