Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs filled with melted cheese, served with a rich spinach cream sauce that’s perfect for a keto-friendly dinner. This italian-inspired chicken (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes blends sliced mozzarella cheese, roughly chopped fresh spinach, heavy cream into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Carefully create a pocket in each of the 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs and stuff each pocket with 1 oz sliced mozzarella cheese.
  2. Step 2: Season the stuffed chicken thighs evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken thighs and transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: While chicken bakes, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach to the butter and garlic, cooking until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Step 8: Serve the cheese-stuffed chicken thighs topped with warm spinach cream sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach Cream Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Spinach Cream Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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