Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy spinach and artichoke filling with succulent chicken and crispy bacon. This dish is a flavor-packed delight that will elevate any meal.
The rich and savory spinach artichoke filling, mixed with cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, perfectly complements the seasoned chicken. Each bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes.
Wrapped in crispy bacon and grilled to perfection, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken – Ingredients
Succulent chicken breasts form the perfect canvas, stuffed with a creamy, tangy spinach artichoke mixture. Marinated artichokes bring a burst of briny flavor, while rich cream cheese binds the filling with velvety smoothness. Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses create a luscious melt, adding depth and a satisfying stretch. Crispy bacon wraps everything together, imparting smoky goodness that complements the savory filling. A seasoning blend of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors, making each bite irresistible.
Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
This Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken recipe is a showstopper, featuring a rich, creamy spinach and artichoke filling inside juicy chicken breasts, wrapped in crispy bacon for a mouthwatering finish. If you’re looking to take this delicious dish to the next level, here are some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach for Better Flavor
For the best taste and texture, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen. Sauté the spinach until wilted and then drain any excess water. This ensures a thicker filling with a richer flavor that won’t make the chicken soggy. - Don’t Overstuff the Chicken
While it’s tempting to load up on the spinach artichoke filling, be cautious not to overstuff the chicken breasts. A generous amount is enough to create a flavorful center, but overstuffing can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Fold the chicken breasts securely to avoid any mess. - Perfectly Crispy Bacon
To achieve crispy bacon, make sure each slice is tightly wrapped around the chicken breast. This not only keeps the filling in place but ensures the bacon crisps evenly. You can also opt to cook the bacon a bit before wrapping it around the chicken to help speed up the crisping process.
What to Serve with Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
- Roasted Vegetables
Pair this indulgent stuffed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables balances the richness of the chicken and complements the smoky bacon flavor. - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For a comforting and hearty meal, serve your Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The buttery potatoes provide a soft contrast to the crispy chicken and are perfect for soaking up any delicious juices. - Simple Green Salad
A light, refreshing green salad is a perfect side to cut through the richness of the stuffed chicken. Consider mixing greens with a tangy vinaigrette dressing and adding some sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for extra crunch.
FAQ
- Can I use pre-made spinach artichoke dip instead of making the filling from scratch?
Yes, you can use pre-made spinach artichoke dip for a quicker option. Just make sure it’s thick enough to avoid sogginess in the chicken. You may want to drain any excess liquid before using it. - Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the stuffed chicken for about 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The bacon may not be as crispy as grilling, but the dish will still be delicious. - How can I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
To help the chicken cook evenly, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing. This ensures that the heat penetrates the meat consistently, resulting in juicy, tender chicken throughout. - Can I freeze the stuffed chicken for later?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking. Simply wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the same cooking instructions.
Grilled Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 slices bacon
- For the Spice Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Spinach Artichoke Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup marinated artichokes chopped with brine
- ¼ cup cooked spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat
- Begin by preheating your grill, smoker, or oven to 350°F (175°C) for indirect cooking. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly while maintaining moisture.
- Prepare the Filling
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped artichokes with their brine, cooked spinach, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. If you prefer a quicker option, you can substitute the homemade filling with a pre-made spinach artichoke dip.
- Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat the chicken breasts with this seasoning blend, ensuring even coverage on all sides to enhance the flavor.
- Stuff the Chicken
- Carefully slice each chicken breast open horizontally, making a pocket, but do not cut all the way through. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach artichoke filling into each chicken breast, then fold the chicken closed, securing the filling inside.
- Wrap with Bacon
- Take about three slices of bacon and wrap them around each stuffed chicken breast. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the bacon in place, ensuring it covers the chicken completely.
- Grill or Bake
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the grill, smoker, or in the oven. Close the lid and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Serve
- Once the chicken has reached the proper internal temperature, remove it from the grill or oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle. This will ensure a tender, juicy bite every time.
