Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is juicy, flavorful and perfect for family dinners. This dish features chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked to golden perfection.
It is elegant yet simple to make, ideal for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, cheese and herbs is irresistible.
In this guide, you will learn How to make Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts easily at home. You will also see the full Ingredients for Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts for perfect results every time.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this stuffed chicken recipe for a weekend dinner. The smell of garlic, cheese and herbs filled my kitchen. The chicken stayed juicy and the filling was creamy and rich.
My family loved it instantly. It looked fancy on the plate but was simple to prepare. Since then, I make this recipe often for special dinners.
It is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with vegetables or a light salad. Every bite is flavorful and comforting.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or small spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Boneless chicken breasts – 4 pieces
- Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened
- Spinach – 1 cup, cooked and chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated
- Mozzarella cheese – ½ cup, shredded
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This prevents chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Cut the Chicken
Use a knife to make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast. Create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
4. Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into each chicken pocket. Press edges gently to seal. Ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
5. Season the Chicken
Brush chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle paprika, salt and pepper evenly on top. This adds flavor and gives a golden color.
6. Bake the Chicken
Place stuffed chicken in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
7. Optional Broil for Color
Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a golden top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
8. Serve the Chicken
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Pat chicken dry for better sear and flavor.
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant taste and color.
- Seal the chicken pocket well to keep filling inside.
- Do not overcook; chicken stays juicy at 165°F internal temperature.
- Add herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing chicken; filling may leak during baking.
- Baking at too high temperature; chicken can dry out.
- Not cooking spinach; raw spinach releases water into filling.
- Skipping rest time; juices escape if served immediately.
- Forgetting seasoning; filling may taste bland.
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts are perfect with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. A drizzle of olive oil or light vinaigrette enhances flavors.
Serve with lemon wedges for brightness. This dish is great for family meals or dinner parties. Pair with white wine for an elegant presentation.
Variations You Can Try
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a different texture.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for smoky taste.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Avoid microwave to prevent drying out chicken.
- Filling can be reheated separately and spooned inside again.
- Chicken tastes best when served fresh but can be reheated carefully.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Health Benefits
Stuffed chicken breasts are high in protein and low in carbs. Spinach provides vitamins and minerals.
Cheese adds calcium and healthy fats in moderation. Baking keeps the dish lighter than frying. Overall, this meal is filling, nutritious and supports a balanced diet while still being delicious.
Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or small spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts – 4 pieces
- Cream cheese – 4 oz softened
- Spinach – 1 cup cooked and chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves minced
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup grated
- Mozzarella cheese – ½ cup shredded
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon chopped
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This prevents chicken from sticking.
Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Cut the Chicken
- Use a knife to make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast. Create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken
- Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into each chicken pocket. Press edges gently to seal. Ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
Season the Chicken
- Brush chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle paprika, salt and pepper evenly on top. This adds flavor and gives a golden color.
Bake the Chicken
- Place stuffed chicken in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Optional Broil for Color
- Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a golden top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve the Chicken
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or rice.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry for better sear and flavor.
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant taste and color.
- Seal the chicken pocket well to keep filling inside.
- Do not overcook; chicken stays juicy at 165°F internal temperature.
- Add herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare chicken and filling separately. Stuff and bake just before serving for best flavor.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy filling.
Can I freeze stuffed chicken?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen with extra 10–15 minutes.
What sides pair well with this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes or a fresh salad complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work. Adjust cooking time as thighs are slightly smaller and cook faster.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is delicious, elegant and simple to make. Now you know How to make Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts at home.
With easy Ingredients for Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breasts, anyone can cook this tasty meal.
Juicy chicken, creamy filling and vibrant spinach make every bite special. Try this recipe for dinner tonight or a weekend family meal. It is sure to impress everyone!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!