Keto Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying low-carb dinner that perfectly balances protein, healthy fats, and indulgent taste—without breaking ketosis. This dish features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach, cheese, and garlic, then cooked to golden perfection. It’s a recipe that feels luxurious enough for a special occasion but is simple enough for a weeknight keto dinner.
For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding meals that are both filling and exciting can sometimes be a challenge. This recipe solves that problem beautifully. The creamy spinach filling keeps the chicken moist, while the cheese adds richness and depth. Best of all, it’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting guests, or meal prepping for the week, Keto Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a versatile recipe that pairs well with many keto-friendly side dishes such as cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly sauté the chopped spinach for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and allow excess moisture to evaporate. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the cooked spinach until evenly incorporated. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Spoon the creamy spinach mixture evenly into each chicken pocket.
- Secure the openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move chicken to a baking dish).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Net Carbs: 2 g
Keto Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing due to their size and lean protein content. They are naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making them a staple in keto recipes. Choose evenly sized breasts for uniform cooking.
Spinach
Fresh spinach provides essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. When cooked, spinach reduces significantly in volume, making it perfect for stuffing without adding excess carbs.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the base of the filling, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for keto diets, as it provides healthy fats and keeps net carbs low.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella adds stretchiness and mild flavor. It melts beautifully and helps bind the filling together.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness and umami depth to the filling. It also enhances the overall savory flavor profile.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic is preferred for the filling.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps season the chicken and promotes browning during cooking while providing healthy fats.
Spices
Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth and balance without adding carbs.
Serving Instructions
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
- Pair with keto-friendly sides such as
- Cauliflower mash
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic-sautéed zucchini
- Keto salad with olive oil dressing
- Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken for added flavor.
Tips
- Do not overfill the chicken pockets to prevent leakage.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes (keto-friendly portion) for extra flavor.
- For extra creaminess, mix in 1–2 tbsp of heavy cream into the filling.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked stuffed chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out.
FAQs
1. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. This recipe is low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and perfect for a ketogenic diet.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing into the filling.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the stuffed chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator before cooking.
4. What cheese substitutions work best?
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar, keeping carb counts low.
5. Can I cook this entirely in the oven?
Yes. Skip the searing step and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, though searing adds more flavor.
6. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and maintains its flavor and texture, making it ideal for keto meal prep.
