Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with fresh spinach and tangy goat cheese, baked until the cheese is molten and the chicken stays tender. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, fresh spinach, goat cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 150g fresh spinach
- 100g goat cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 150g fresh spinach. Sauté for 3 minutes until spinach wilts and releases moisture, then set aside to cool.
- Step 2: Mix the cooled spinach with 100g goat cheese and 1 tsp lemon zest in a bowl until combined.
- Step 3: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each of the 4 chicken breasts without cutting through. Stuff each pocket evenly with the spinach and goat cheese mixture.
- Step 4: Rub each stuffed chicken breast with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
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 Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast 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.
What goes well with Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.