30-Minute 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.

Ingredients

• 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.

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

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.

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