If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that’s a total flavor bomb and impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight, I’ve got you covered. This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy goat cheese and spinach filling, plus a savory topping of caramelized onions and mushrooms. I absolutely love how this turns out—each bite is juicy, cheesy, and packed with fresh herb goodness. Keep reading, and I promise you’ll be making it on repeat in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Stuffing the breasts locks in moisture and elevates the dish with creamy textures.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Fresh spinach, earthy mushrooms, and tangy goat cheese come together beautifully.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether weeknight dinner or special guests, it feels fancy without the fuss.
- One-Pan Cooking Magic: You sauté and bake everything in the same skillet to save time and cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The flavors in this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe work together so naturally. The creamy goat cheese softens the spinach perfectly, while the mushrooms and caramelized onions add that deep savoriness that takes the dish over the top. And a little fresh thyme and a splash of balsamic vinegar? Game changer. When shopping, look for fresh, firm chicken breasts and baby bella mushrooms for that lovely earthy note.

- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts about 4-6 ounces each for even cooking and easy stuffing.
- Olive oil: Divided use for sautéing and coating the chicken helps build layers of flavor.
- Organic spinach: Fresh spinach cooks down quickly and pairs beautifully with goat cheese.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle garlic notes without overpowering the filling.
- Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts into the spinach filling perfectly.
- White onion: Sliced thinly for caramelizing—sweetness adds depth.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Their meaty texture and deep flavor are perfect for this dish.
- Fresh thyme: Adds earthy herbal notes that brighten the mushrooms and chicken.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional): I like this splash to enhance sweetness and add a little tang to the mushrooms and onions.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what I have or prefer. When I first made it, I experimented with different cheeses and herbs — feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Cheese swap: I’ve swapped goat cheese with cream cheese mixed with mozzarella for a milder, gooier filling—the combo works beautifully if you want a less tangy taste.
- Herb variations: Sometimes I add fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different fragrance and twist.
- Veggie mix-ins: Adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the filling gives a lovely burst of sweetness and texture.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling or sauté step adds a nice subtle heat that my family loves.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Hasselback the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully make six slits across the top of each chicken breast—think of it like a Hasselback potato, but chicken style. Try not to slice all the way through; you want those pockets to hold your filling perfectly. I used to worry about cutting too deep, but going slowly and steady avoids that problem. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside while you make the filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Mix with Goat Cheese
Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the fresh spinach and sprinkle with garlic powder. Stir occasionally, cooking until the spinach is fully wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated. Transfer it to a bowl, let it cool for a minute, then mix in the creamy goat cheese until evenly combined. The warmth helps the cheese melt just enough, creating that luscious stuffing.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently stuff the spinach and goat cheese mixture into each slit of the chicken breast. Fill each pocket generously but without overstuffing, or the filling might spill out during cooking. The first time I tried this, I was timid with the filling—don’t be! You want each bite to burst with that cheesy spinach goodness.
Step 4: Caramelize Onions and Mushrooms
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet you used for the spinach. Toss in the sliced white onion, mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you love a touch of tang, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar here—it’s optional but highly recommended. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions turn golden and caramelized and mushrooms brown beautifully. Moving the onions and mushrooms to the sides creates space for the chicken in the middle.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken in the Oven
Nestle the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, leaving a bit of room between each so they cook evenly. I learned the hard way that crowding the pan steams the chicken instead of roasting it, so give them breathing room. Transfer the entire skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Check doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number. When done, the chicken is juicy, the filling is warm and melty, and those mushrooms and onions add the perfect finish.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
- Sharp Knife for Hasselback Cuts: A really sharp, thin blade makes those slits clean and even—this prevents tearing and helps the filling stay put.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space between chicken breasts lets air circulate and creates a better sear and oven bake.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It takes the guesswork out and ensures perfectly cooked juicy chicken every time.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Rest the chicken a few minutes after baking to help juices redistribute and keep that filling creamy.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Garnishes
When I serve this dish, I love to sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves on top for an extra burst of aroma and color. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan finish it nicely. Little accents like chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brighten the plate and your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the juices—think garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or fluffy couscous. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also add a nice crunch and earthiness. For a lighter option, a crisp Caesar salad balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to reveal the gorgeous green and white filling—so stunning on a platter! You can also arrange the caramelized mushrooms and onions around each slice for a rustic yet refined look. Adding edible flowers or microgreens adds a special touch that always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to cool leftover stuffed chicken completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find the filling stays creamy, and the chicken remains tender, making for a delicious next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to make it ahead. I recommend assembling and stuffing the chicken breasts, then freezing them uncooked on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed, until fully cooked and juicy.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I prefer warming gently in a 325°F oven covered with foil to keep the chicken moist without drying the filling. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry out the chicken if overdone. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating helps keep everything juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese in this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe?
Absolutely! Cream cheese is a great substitute if you want a milder flavor. Mixing in some mozzarella or Parmesan can add a nice melty texture and richness. Just avoid cheeses that melt too much or will overpower the dish.
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How can I make sure the chicken breasts cook evenly without drying out?
Pound the chicken breasts gently to an even thickness if needed before hasselback cuts. Also, don’t overcrowd your pan and use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F. Rest them after baking to lock in juices.
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Is it okay to skip the balsamic vinegar?
Yes, the balsamic vinegar is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle sweetness and tang that balances the savory mushrooms and onions. If you don’t have any, you can use a splash of red wine vinegar or skip it altogether.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can stuff the chicken breasts, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes weeknight dinners or entertaining much easier. For longer storage, freeze before cooking and bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want a dinner that’s cozy, flavorful, and a little impressively fancy without fuss. The creamy filling with earthy mushrooms and sweet onions hits just the right notes every time. Give it a try and I bet you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to stash in your regular rotation—trust me, my family goes crazy for this one!
Print
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious, elegant dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and goat cheese mixture, complemented by caramelized onions and sautéed baby bella mushrooms. Baked to perfection, it’s a savory meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups organic spinach
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, make six slits (hasselback style) into the top of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Drizzle each breast with a portion of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Spinach: Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and sprinkle with garlic powder. Stir occasionally and cook until the spinach is fully wilted.
- Make Filling: Transfer the cooked spinach to a medium bowl, add the goat cheese, and mix well until fully combined.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully stuff each slit on the chicken breasts with the spinach and goat cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced onions, baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and the optional balsamic vinegar. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until onions caramelize and mushrooms turn golden brown. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet to make room for the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring some space between them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor; consider mixing in ¼ cup shredded mozzarella if using cream cheese for additional creaminess.
- Ensure to not cut through the chicken breast completely to hold the stuffing securely in place.
- Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to transition directly from stovetop to oven without transferring the food.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg


