Smoked Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese and Spinach Recipe
Introduction
Smoked stuffed chicken breast is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach and garlic filling. It’s perfect for a weekend cookout or a special dinner that impresses with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally almost all the way through, then open them like a book.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped spinach, and minced garlic until well mixed.
- Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside each butterflied chicken breast, then fold them closed and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Step 4: Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a smoker preheated to 225°F (107°C) and smoke until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese to the filling.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil in the filling for a bright, aromatic touch.
- If you don’t have a smoker, bake the chicken in a 375°F oven until cooked through.
Storage
Store leftover smoked stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain moisture, avoiding the microwave which can dry out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper stuffing.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
You can bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
PrintSmoked Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese and Spinach Recipe
This Smoked Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts butterflied and filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and garlic. Seasoned with salt and pepper, the chicken is then smoked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful entrée with a delightful smoky aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally along the thick side without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book to create a larger, thinner piece of meat for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, and minced garlic until well mixed to form a savory filling.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the breasts back over the filling and secure them using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling enclosed during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Smoke the Chicken: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, then serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and spreading.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture in the stuffing.
- Smoking times may vary depending on smoker type and size of chicken breasts, always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- To keep the filling from leaking, secure the stuffed chicken carefully and consider wrapping with bacon if desired for extra flavor and hold.
- Let the chicken rest after smoking to retain juices and improve tenderness.
Keywords: smoked chicken breast, stuffed chicken, cream cheese spinach chicken, smoked stuffed chicken, barbecue chicken breast
