Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes

I’ll be honest—dinner at my house can sometimes feel like a balancing act. Between keeping the kids entertained and making sure everyone eats something nutritious, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that feel special but aren’t overly complicated. That’s exactly where this stuffed chicken comes in.

It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. With melty mozzarella, fresh spinach, and a pop of juicy tomato tucked into perfectly seasoned chicken, it’s become a go-to for my family. The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight but still feels like something you’d serve on a special occasion.

Let me show you how I make it work in my busy kitchen!

Tips for Success with Stuffed Chicken

1. Choose the Right Chicken Breasts:

   • Look for medium-sized, even chicken breasts. If they’re too thick, slice them thinner or use a meat mallet to flatten slightly for even cooking.

2. Season Generously:

   • Don’t skimp on the spices! The seasoning on the chicken is what builds flavor, so give it a good rub and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to soak in.

3. Make the Perfect Pocket:

   • Use a sharp knife to slice a pocket into the chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through—this ensures the stuffing stays inside.

4. Shred the Cheese:

   • Shred or tear your mozzarella into smaller pieces to help it melt more evenly and give you that gooey cheese pull.

5. Secure the Stuffing:

   • Use toothpicks to close the pocket tightly. This keeps everything in place during cooking. (Don’t forget to remove them before serving!)

6. Sear for Texture:

   • A quick sear in a hot pan gives the chicken a golden, crusty exterior while locking in moisture. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.

7. Finish in the Oven:

   • Baking ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out. If you want extra melty cheese, spoon a little extra mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of baking.

8. Let It Rest:

   • Rest the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.

9. Experiment with Stuffing:

   • Feel free to mix it up! Swap spinach for basil, add sun-dried tomatoes, or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes inside for a little heat.

10. Serve with a Side:

• Pair this dish with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes to round out the meal.

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Tomatoes

Yield 2

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

24 Min

Total time

39 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 whole mozzarella round (or about 4 oz shredded mozzarella)
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• 10-12 fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
3. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts, including inside the pocket.
4. Layer the mozzarella (shredded or sliced), tomato slices, and spinach leaves into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the pocket if needed.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dish!

Notes

• For extra melty mozzarella, add a little shredded cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Pair this dish with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• This recipe works great with fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes as substitutions for spinach or fresh tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

372

Fat

16 g

Sat. Fat

4 g

Carbs

5 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Protein

51 g

Sodium

786 mg

Cholesterol

144 mg

Similar Recipes

Easy Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms Chicken Breast – A One-Pan Dinner

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Breast

Quick and Easy Blackened Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce (Ready in 20 Minutes)

The Ultimate Rotisserie-Style Chicken Breast Recipe (No Rotisserie Needed!)

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @kimalexandermua on instagram and hashtag it #homecookblog