You know those nights when you need dinner to be easy, healthy, and actually get eaten by the whole family? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe. It’s become my go-to when I want something packed with protein but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? My kids gobble it up without realizing how much spinach they’re eating! Between the creamy cottage cheese filling and that Cajun kick, this dish feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night. Trust me, once you try stuffing chicken breasts this way, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked them plain.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Let me tell you why this recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners:
- Protein powerhouse: Packed with 42g protein per serving, it keeps you full for hours
- Kid-approved magic: The creamy cottage cheese hides the spinach perfectly – my littles never complain!
- Ready fast: Just 40 minutes from fridge to table (I’ve timed it during soccer-practice chaos)
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Leftover hero: Tastes even better the next day for lunch
Honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for nights when I need dinner to be delicious and nutritious without any fuss. If you love high-protein meals, check out my fajita chicken cottage cheese bake recipe for another winner!
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple but delicious stuffed chicken – I promise it’s nothing fancy!
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed super dry – I’ve learned the hard way that watery spinach makes sad, soggy filling)
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped (my kids prefer it minced so they don’t spot the bits)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat gives the creamiest texture, but low-fat works too)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each – I sometimes butterfly thicker ones)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste – my family likes it spicy!)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for that golden crust we all love)
Quick swap: Use fresh spinach if you prefer – just wilt 5 cups chopped leaves and squeeze dry like the frozen stuff. Easy!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Okay, let me walk you through making this beauty – it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken that looks fancy but is totally doable on a busy night.
Preparing the Filling
First, grab that thawed spinach and squeeze it like you’re mad at it – seriously, get all the water out (I use clean hands or a cheesecloth). Mix it with the chopped onion and cottage cheese in a bowl. Here’s my trick: I taste the filling before adding any extra seasoning. Sometimes I’ll throw in a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes if I’m feeling fancy. The cottage cheese should be creamy enough to hold everything together without being runny.
Stuffing and Baking the Chicken
Now for the fun part! Lay your chicken breasts flat and sprinkle both sides with that Cajun seasoning – don’t be shy! Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling onto each breast, then fold them over like you’re tucking in a baby (if the baby was delicious chicken). Secure with 2-3 toothpicks – I make little “X” patterns so they hold better. Pop them in a greased baking dish, drizzle with melted butter (this makes the top golden and crispy), and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Pro tip: Always remove the toothpicks before serving – I’ve forgotten once and… well, let’s just say it wasn’t my finest dinner party moment! Follow me on Facebook for more behind-the-scenes kitchen tips!
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tricks for the best stuffed chicken every single time:
- Dry chicken = crispy crust: Always pat those breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning – moisture is the enemy of good browning!
- Toothpick alternatives: No toothpicks? Kitchen twine works great – just tie like a little present (cut it off after baking).
- Even cooking: If your chicken breasts are super thick, pound them slightly or butterfly them so they cook evenly.
- Rest time matters: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes after baking – this keeps all that juicy goodness inside when you cut it.
These small steps make a huge difference – trust me, I learned each one the hard way!
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42g Protein Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken
A simple and flavorful stuffed chicken recipe with cottage cheese and spinach, perfect for a high-protein dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach (10 oz), thawed
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons Cajun-style seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Squeeze excess moisture from spinach, then mix with onion and cottage cheese.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Place 1/4 of the spinach mixture on each breast, fold over, and secure with toothpicks.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach if preferred, just wilt and drain it well.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
- Ensure toothpicks are removed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge! Here are some delicious swaps I’ve tested:
- Cheese change-up: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta or even cream cheese if you want extra richness (just add a splash of milk to loosen it)
- Veggie boost: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling – my husband goes crazy for this version!
- Spice options: No Cajun seasoning? Italian seasoning or simple garlic powder works beautifully too
- Butter alternative: Olive oil gives a lighter finish if you’re watching calories
The possibilities are endless – make it your own! If you are looking for other ways to use cottage cheese, try my cottage cheese garlic rolls recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken shines with simple sides! My family loves it with roasted garlic potatoes and steamed green beans – the perfect balance to the rich filling. For busy nights, I’ll often pair it with a quick garden salad and crusty bread to soak up the juices. The leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) make amazing sandwiches the next day too.
Storing and Reheating
This stuffed chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just store it in an airtight container. When reheating, I prefer the oven (350°F for 10-15 minutes) to keep it from drying out, but the microwave works in a pinch – just cover with a damp paper towel to lock in moisture. Bonus: The flavors actually deepen overnight!
Cottage Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just wilt about 5 cups of fresh chopped spinach in a pan (no oil needed), then squeeze it really dry like you would with frozen. I actually prefer fresh when it’s in season – the flavor’s brighter!
Is there a substitute for Cajun seasoning?
No worries if you don’t have Cajun! I’ve used everything from Italian seasoning to simple garlic powder with great results. Last week I tried smoked paprika and loved the subtle smokiness it added.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F at the thickest part. No thermometer? Cut into the center of one breast; the juices should run clear, not pink. And remember – it keeps cooking a bit after you take it out!
Nutritional Information
Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on brands and portion sizes! Each stuffed chicken breast gives you about 320 calories with a whopping 42g protein (hello, muscle fuel!). You’re also getting 2g fiber from that sneaky spinach and just 12g total fat. It’s one of those rare dinners that feels indulgent but is actually pretty balanced – my kind of meal! If you are interested in other high-protein recipes, check out my cottage cheese protein brownie bites recipe.
Now go make this tonight and tell me how your family liked it – I live for your kitchen success stories!
