Easy Recipe for Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach & Dates (2024)

If you’re looking for a more interesting easy weeknight dinner, you’re going to love this one. We recently made chicken breasts stuffed with spinach. It features perfectly moist chicken that’s packed full of flavor.

I found most recipes for chicken breasts stuffed with spinach call for all kinds of cheese. I opted to try a more interesting ingredient.

Dates!

It sounds strange but it brings out a delicious flavor with the spinach. You’ll be returning to this particular recipe often based on the flavor alone! They complement each other really well.

You’ll also love how easy these spinach stuffed chicken breasts are to make. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd at a special event.

Easy recipes that are both delicious and quick to make? You’re sure to keep this one handy for all your future meals and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

• 1 onion
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 3 dates, chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3-4 chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Before you get started, preheat the oven to 375° F. Grease a baking pan and set aside.

2. Chop the onion into thin slices. Fry in a pan over medium-high heat for roughly 3-4 minutes in olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.

3. Add the chopped garlic and dates and fry for another minute.

3. Add the spinach. Season with salt, black pepper and cumin. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Rinse and trim the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Take a sharp knife and cut horizontally with the tip of the knife to create an opening at the thickest part of the chicken. This pocket is where you will add the spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper from all sides.

5. Fill the pocket in the chicken with the spinach stuffing.

6. Spread some honey on top of the chicken.

7. Place in a baking pan and cook for 20-30 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown or until the internal temperature on the instant-read thermometer is 165° F (74° C). The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Allow time to cool before serving with your desired sides. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

1. If you like crispy chicken, try searing it in a cast iron skillet on medium heat before adding spinach filling and baking in the oven. You could even add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for some added flavor.
2. You may choose other dried fruit options if you’re not a fan of dates. Other things you can try include dried raisins, cranberries, or cherries.
3. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese for additional flavor. Or spread some homemade Cajun butter on top of the chicken for a smoky kick.
4. Top the chicken with your favorite cheese to create a delicious cheesy spinach dish. Some options to consider are fresh mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, or feta cheese.
5. And if you enjoy the taste of dates in this recipe, also try this date mustard dressing – perfect for chicken salads!

Tips for Preparation

1. Large chicken breasts will be the easiest to work with in terms of cutting an opening. You want the pocket to be large enough so you can add the filling. Be careful not to make it too large. If you accidentally cut too far, you can use toothpicks to hold it together.
2. If you’re worried about the chicken being too dry, add parchment paper or foil to the baking pan. Covering the chicken is a great way to contain moisture.
3. Allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will result in a juicy chicken breast, giving it time to absorb all the liquid fully.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken and ensure the chicken is safe to eat. It should reach 165° F by the time you serve it.

Serving and Storage Tips

1. Pair: These flavorful spinach stuffed chicken breasts go well with any side dish. You could try stuffed portobello mushrooms, roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts, a side salad, cauliflower rice, or your favorite pasta.
2. Serve: Present this stuffed chicken recipe at your next dinner party. You can add it to a white plate where the color of the spinach can pop. Another option is to slice it so that you can spread it across the plate. Add a dollop of sour cream to the side or serve with creamy mushroom hummus. There are many different ways you can serve this dish.
3. Store: Leftovers of this recipe can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or by placing back in the oven. You may want to add liquid to the bottom of the pan to avoid it drying out.
4. Freeze: You can freeze the stuffed chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

One Last Thing

I know you’re going to love the flavor of these chicken breasts stuffed with spinach. Who knew dates could add such an interesting flavor to chicken?

I’m so glad we decided to try these flavors together. It’s going to be a regular rotation meal that our whole family loves.

In my opinion, this is one of the best stuffed chicken breast recipes! The perfect way to make an easy chicken recipe for dinner.

If you’re looking for more recipes perfect for busy weeknights, you’ll love these easy lettuce wraps with peanut sauce, easy chicken stuffed crescent rolls with cream cheese, and quick baked salmon with mayo recipe.

Dessert Recipes To Serve With Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• Mini Key Lime Pie Bites: A Must-Try Easy Recipe
• Best Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Recipe For Dessert Lovers
• Healthy Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits for Wholesome Treat
• Mini Pumpkin Croissants: Easy Crescent Rolls Recipe

Your Turn

If you make this easy stuffed chicken breast recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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