Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Savory Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Crafting the perfect spinach and mushroom stuffed chicken breasts requires creativity and a dash of culinary passion.

Tender chicken becomes a canvas for vibrant, earthy flavors that dance on your palate.

Layers of fresh spinach and rich mushrooms nestle inside each juicy piece, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.

Seasonings whisper hints of herbs and garlic, promising a meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this simple yet impressive dish.

Seasonal ingredients bring life to a classic protein, making each forkful a celebration of home cooking.

Explore this recipe, and you’ll discover a new favorite that impresses without complexity.

Spinach and Mushroom Chicken—Why It’s a Win

  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: This recipe offers incredible flexibility for home cooks to personalize flavors and ingredients according to their preferences.
  • Impressive Dinner Party Star: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal advanced cooking skills, perfect for entertaining guests.
  • Nutrient-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Combines lean chicken with spinach and mushrooms, delivering a balanced meal loaded with vitamins, minerals, and delicious taste profiles.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal with straightforward techniques and minimal cleanup, making dinner preparation smooth and enjoyable.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the base for the stuffed dish.
  • Spinach: Leafy green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the stuffing.
  • Mushrooms: Provides an umami-rich base for the stuffing mixture.
Stuffing Ingredients:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that helps bind the stuffing together.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the stuffing mixture.
  • Nutmeg: Provides a warm, subtle spice to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds richness to the dish.
  • Garlic, Shallot: Aromatic ingredients that build depth of flavor.
  • Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
  • White Wine: Adds complexity and acidity to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

How to Prepare Stuffed Chicken Breasts Easily

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken

Gently pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until they are uniformly thin and tender, creating a perfect canvas for stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté Mushroom Base

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Sauté the following ingredients until soft:
  • Mushrooms
  • Garlic
  • Shallot

Season with salt and pepper, then transfer mixture to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped for a smooth texture.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

Combine the processed mushroom mixture with:
  • Spinach
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Nutmeg

Mix thoroughly to create a rich, aromatic stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff and Roll Chicken

Place a generous mound of spinach-mushroom mixture in the center of each chicken breast.

Carefully roll the chicken around the stuffing, securing with toothpicks to keep the filling intact.

Step 5: Brown Stuffed Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet.

Carefully brown the stuffed chicken on all sides, cooking for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and golden.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Sauce

Remove chicken from skillet.

Add butter and flour to the pan, stirring for a minute. Whisk in wine and chicken broth.

Simmer until sauce thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Transfer stuffed chicken breasts to serving plates.

Generously spoon the velvety sauce over the top, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Game-Changing Tips for Stuffed Chicken

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender texture.
  • Finely chop mushroom mixture for a smoother, more integrated filling that blends seamlessly with spinach.
  • Pat chicken dry before stuffing to help secure the filling and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality ricotta and Parmesan for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to prevent any accidental biting and ensure a clean presentation.

Fun Spins on the Classic Stuffed Chicken

  • Mediterranean Makeover: Replace ricotta with crumbled feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and add cumin to the stuffing mixture for a zesty kick.
  • Herb Garden Edition: Mix fresh chopped basil, thyme, and parsley into the stuffing, use goat cheese instead of ricotta, and garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.
  • Bacon Lover's Version: Crisp chopped bacon and fold into the mushroom-spinach mixture, then wrap the chicken with a thin slice of prosciutto before browning for extra richness.

Great Pairings for Stuffed Chicken Breasts

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms and creamy ricotta.
  • Enhance Herb Complement: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the dish to add brightness and create a harmonious herbal undertone that lifts the savory stuffed chicken.
  • Match Side Dish: Serve roasted asparagus or buttery roasted potatoes alongside the chicken to balance the meal's texture and provide a delightful accompaniment that soaks up the delicious pan sauce.
  • Boost Flavor Profile: Add a small mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stuffed chicken breasts.

Store and Reheat Stuffed Chicken the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and sauce separately for best quality. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual stuffed chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs on Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Breasts

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with other filling ingredients.

  • What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture in the filling.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when making the sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.

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Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent spinach and mushroom stuffed chicken breasts elevate weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Rich, cheesy filling nestled inside tender chicken creates a delightful meal perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 package (10 ounces/283 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and wrung dry
  • 12 small mushrooms (crimini or button), chopped
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, quartered
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Gently flatten chicken breasts between plastic sheets until uniformly thin, creating an ideal surface for stuffing.
  2. Warm butter in a skillet over medium heat, carefully sautéing mushrooms, garlic, and shallots for approximately 5 minutes until tender and aromatic. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
  3. Combine the processed mushroom mixture with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and delicate nutmeg in a mixing bowl, creating a rich and flavorful filling.
  4. Distribute the spinach-mushroom mixture evenly in the center of each chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken around the stuffing, ensuring the filling remains enclosed, and secure each roll with toothpicks.
  5. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the stuffed chicken on all sides for 10-12 minutes, rotating to ensure even cooking and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove chicken from the pan. Add butter and flour to create a roux, stirring for one minute. Gradually whisk in white wine and chicken broth, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Plate the golden-brown stuffed chicken breasts, generously drizzling the velvety pan sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry before pounding to help achieve a crispy exterior when searing.
  • Pulse mushroom mixture carefully to avoid turning into a complete paste; some texture adds depth to the filling.
  • Substitute ricotta with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creaminess.
  • Use toothpicks sparingly and remember to remove them before serving to prevent any accidental bites.
  • Swap white wine with chicken broth or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version of the sauce.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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