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    Home » Main Course » 30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken

    Published: Jun 30, 2023 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jun 30, 2023 · 1676 words. · About 9 minutes to read this article.

    • 627
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Long pin with two images and the title Keto Stuffed Chicken in the center. The top image is a close up photo of the chicken and the bottom is two pieces of chicken in a cast iron skillet.

    This Keto Stuffed Chicken is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying meals you can put on your dinner table! With its juicy and cheese-filled center, this low-carb dish is perfect for both a casual dinner and a festive gathering. Spending hours in the kitchen preparing a keto-friendly meal may seem daunting. That's where this convenient spinach stuffed chicken recipe comes into play! With a bit of simple prep, you'll have these moist and cheese-packed chicken breasts ready to cook in a skillet or air fryer for a delightful evening feast.

    Photo of a piece of Keto Stuffed Chicken on a white plate with cheese and spinach oozing out the front next to a fork.
    Looking for a meal that's both satisfying and keto-friendly? Look no further than our keto stuffed chicken breast recipe.

    This delicious dish is not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor. It is the perfect dinner option for anyone following a ketogenic diet or simply trying to eat healthier.

    The combination of juicy chicken and cheesy stuffing creates a taste sensation that'll make you forget you're cutting carbs.

    Using simple ingredients, this recipe takes chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. A cheesy filling adds decadence to the protein, providing a comforting and satisfying experience.

    The keto spinach stuffed chicken breast is versatile enough to be served on any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just feeding the family, this dish is sure to impress.

    And despite its gourmet appeal, it requires minimal prep and cook time, making it an ideal choice for those hectic days.

    Follow along as we guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your success in creating this mouthwatering dish. Let's get cooking and bring some excitement to your dinner table!
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Keto Stuffed Chicken in white prep bowls against a white background.
    • Avocado oil: This oil is a favorite in many kitchens due to its high smoke point, perfect for sautéing and baking. It's commonly found in the oil section of your local supermarket. Olive oil or coconut oil are suitable substitutes if needed.
    • Onion: Onions provide a sweet, tangy undertone that complements the chicken and cheese beautifully. Any type of onions - white, yellow, or red - can be used based on your preference. If you don't have onions, you could add flavor with onion powder.
    • Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth of flavor to the stuffing. While fresh garlic is preferred, jarred minced garlic can also be used. Garlic powder could be used.
    • Spinach: Baby spinach offers a nutritious element to the stuffing and pairs well with the cheese. If baby spinach isn't readily available, regular fresh spinach or kale make good alternatives. You could also use frozen spinach.
    • Goat cheese: The rich, creamy texture of goat cheese enhances the filling. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, feta or cream cheese are excellent substitutes.
    • Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds a creamy flavor and desirable stretchiness to the filling. Other types of melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack could work as an alternative.
    • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the dish, boneless skinless chicken breasts are easier to stuff, while thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful option.
    • Smoked paprika: This spice imparts a smoky flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste. If unavailable, regular paprika or a touch of chipotle powder could be used for a similar smoky effect. Chipotle powder has heat like cayenne pepper, so use in moderation.
    • Sea salt: An essential seasoning, sea salt brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Regular table salt can be used as a substitute, but adjust the quantity according to your taste.
    • Fresh ground black pepper: Adding a spicy kick to the chicken, it's always best to use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor, though pre-ground pepper works in a pinch.

    Step by Step

    For the full recipe for stuffed chicken breast with spinach, see the recipe card below.

    Photo of a piece of chicken breast that has been sliced down the center.
    Make a horizontal slit through the center of the chicken to form a pocket.
    Photo of onion being cooked in a skillet.
    After that, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes. After that, add garlic, and cook one more minute.
    Photo of spinach being added to a pan of sautéed onion.
    Add the spinach to the pan, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the spinach to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to cool slightly, and chop.
    Spinach mixture and cheeses are being combined in a small white bowl.
    Once the spinach has cooled slightly, stir stir the cheeses together with it.
    Chicken is stuffed with the spinach and cheese mixture.
    Stuff the pockets in the chicken with the spinach mixture, using toothpicks to secure.
    The chicken is stuffed and has been sprinkled with seasonings.
    Combine the spices, and sprinkle over the chicken. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. (Larger pieces of chicken may take longer to cook through.) Remove the chicken when it is 160 degrees. Tent and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Variations for Low Carb Stuffed Chicken

    • Use feta and Swiss in place of the goat cheese and mozzarella. Omit the spinach and instead use ½ cup olives, chopped.
    • Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add in 4 ounces of mushrooms, sautéed.
    • Omit the spinach and instead use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes.

    More Ideas for Stuffed Chicken

    • Cheese - all types - cheddar, feta cheese, cream cheese, parmesan cheese
    • Olives
    • Spinach
    • Onion - sautéed or caramelized
    • Mushrooms
    • Artichokes
    • Roasted Red Peppers
    • Bacon
    • Broccoli (Broccoli cheese is a great combo!)
    • Tomatoes (just limit the amount to keep your stuffed chicken breast keto.)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Chicken Keto Friendly?

    Yes, chicken is an excellent source of protein and ideally suited for the Keto diet. Although dark meat chicken is generally considered better for keto due to its higher fat content, all chicken can be consumed on a keto diet. It is best to eat organic, free-range chicken if at all possible.

    Can You Make Air Fryer Keto Stuffed Chicken?

    Yes, depending on what type of Air Fryer you have you may be able to. However, you need to place the breasts on parchment paper to avoid spilling the filling. (This is more of a concern with some types of Air Fryers than others. Be sure to read your manual.) To cook, preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.

    What is the Best Way to Store Chicken?

    Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, towards the back to prevent any raw juices from dripping on foods below. While Cryovac packages last longer, once opened chicken should be used within 2 days. You can freeze chicken breasts for up to nine months, but you should expect to lose some moisture in the process.

    Tips & Tricks

    • This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
    • If you prefer, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by cooking in a 350 degree oven. To do this, make sure that you use an oven-safe skillet and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Don't skip using a toothpick to secure the cheese mixture! They really do help the filling to stay in. (Likewise - don't forget to take them out before serving. Nothing says elegant like a friend or family member biting into wood.)

    Recommended Tools

    • Skillet
    • Cutting Board
    • Sharp Knife
    • Meat thermometer
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    You May Also Like

    • Keto Chicken Parmesan is a crowd pleaser that works just as well for entertaining as it does a weeknight. It is surprisingly simple to put together.
    • If you are looking for a simple appetizer, it doesn't get much better than this Marinated Cheese.
    • Keto Lemon Chicken is a ridiculously flavorful dish with a punchy vibrant tang.
    Photo of two pieces of Keto Stuffed Chicken in a cast iron skillet against a white background.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Photo of two pieces of Keto Stuffed Chicken in a cast iron skillet against a white background.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    Keto Stuffed Chicken

    This Keto Stuffed Chicken is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying meals you can put on your dinner table! With its juicy and cheese-filled center, this low-carb dish is perfect for both a casual dinner and a festive gathering. Spending hours in the kitchen preparing a keto-friendly meal may seem daunting. That's where this convenient spinach stuffed chicken recipe comes into play! With a bit of simple prep, you'll have these moist and cheese-packed chicken breasts ready to cook in a skillet or air fryer for a delightful evening feast.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time13 minutes mins
    Total Time28 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cheesy
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 226kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Equipment

    • Instant-Read Thermometer
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Knife
    • Skillet or Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
    • ¼ cup chopped onion
    • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
    • 5 ounces baby spinach chopped
    • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
    • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese grated
    • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Cut a horizontal slit through the center of the chicken to form a pocket.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet to medium heat.
    • Next, add onion, and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook one minute more.
    • After that, add spinach, and sauté until wilted, about two minutes.
    • Season to taste with salt and pepper
    • Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir in cheeses.
    • Stuff the chicken pockets with the spinach and cheese mixture using toothpicks to secure.
    • In a small dish, mix together paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the chicken.
    • Heat the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
    • Remove the chicken when it is 160 degrees. Tent and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Notes

    Tips for Making this Recipe

    • This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
    • If you prefer, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by cooking for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. To do this, make sure that you use an oven-safe skillet.
    • Don't skip using a toothpick to secure the cheese mixture! They really do help the filling to stay in. (Likewise - don't forget to take them out before serving. Nothing says elegant like a friend or family member biting into wood.)

    Variations for This Recipe

    • Use feta and Swiss in place of the goat cheese and mozzarella. Omit the spinach and instead use ½ cup olives, chopped.
    • Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add in 4 ounces of mushrooms, sautéed.
    • Omit the spinach and instead use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 536mg | Vitamin A: 2015IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1.3mg
    « Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
    Instant Pot Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken »
    • 627

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stacie

      March 14, 2019 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      That's what I'm talking about! I cannot wait to make this! I love all that spinach in there.

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you Stacie! I hope you enjoy it.

        Reply
        • Kameisha James

          August 24, 2020 at 11:26 pm

          This was awesome very fulfilling . Would love to share my pictures with you. Everyone loved it

          Reply
          • Wendy Polisi

            August 25, 2020 at 4:56 pm

            I am so glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to see you pictures!

            Reply
    2. Funke Olotu

      March 14, 2019 at 7:15 pm

      Darn.. looks so beautiful
      I’m so lazy with taking my time to cook but if I can I’ll teu this recipe

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:46 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Melanie Walsh

      March 14, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      I'm a vegetarian, but the only one in my immediate family. Finding yummy recipes my whole family will adore can be tricky. But this looks absolutely DIVINE! Plus, I will feel great feeding it to them since it's a healthy option.

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:46 pm

        It is a great option! I used to be vegetarian and I understand just what you mean about finding healthy recipes for the family was always a challenge.

        Reply
    4. Jaye Shields

      March 14, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      This looks great and I am keto right now! I'm not a huge spinach fan but I could easily sub that or just omit it. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:45 pm

        You could! I've got some suggestions in the post.

        Reply
    5. Subhashish Roy

      March 15, 2019 at 3:46 am

      Awesome preparation.Would love to have it tonight.Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:45 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    6. kristin lesney

      March 15, 2019 at 5:30 am

      We have been using more chicken, will have to give this a try. Literally filling!

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:44 pm

        I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    7. Summer Shores

      March 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm

      I recently went keto and love this recipe idea! Going to make this for dinner.

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:44 pm

        Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    8. Porsha carr

      March 15, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      My best friend is doing keto and stuck I’ll be sure to pass this yummy meal to her!

      Reply
      • Wendy

        March 15, 2019 at 2:44 pm

        Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

        Reply
    9. Beth Pierce

      March 15, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious and I love that it is keto friendly and won't set me back with my diet!

      Reply
    10. artchee

      March 15, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      I like stuffed chicken. I'll try your version of keto stuffed chicken. :0)

      Reply
    11. Tiffany La Forge-Grau

      March 15, 2019 at 10:34 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely LOVE eating keto right now. I've been running low on new recipes though and this made me so happy!

      Reply
    12. Amy Desrosiers

      March 15, 2019 at 11:47 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this recipe looks so darn good! I love stuffed chicken recipes like this!

      Reply
    13. Emmanuel Damian

      March 17, 2019 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      Keto stuffed chicken looks so good! I should try eating it soon. Yum Yum!

      Reply
    14. Belle

      September 01, 2019 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      If i replace the breast with thighs do you think i will get the same results?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        September 01, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        Yes, it will work. You may need to roll them and secure with more toothpicks, depending on the size of the thighs.

        Reply
    15. Robyne

      June 27, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      This looks so good, I can’t wait to try it. I’m on the hunt for new recipes so thank you for this one. Definitely looks like a keeper. Btw, what brand is your iron skillet? Love the handle...

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        June 29, 2020 at 6:12 pm

        It is a Finex. They are pretty expensive - I got it for a sponsored post on my other website years ago.

        Reply
    16. Pat Quinsey

      July 09, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is delicious! I had made it before but didn't have the goat cheese in it. Brilliant idea!!! So good. I make it for company when I want them to be impressed. You nailed it!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        July 09, 2020 at 4:48 pm

        I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.

        Reply

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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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