Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Cheesy & Flavor-Packed Dinner

Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins, and when it’s cooked with creativity, it transforms into something extraordinary. Enter the Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Cheese a dish that looks gourmet, tastes heavenly, and is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, creamy cheese, and nutritious spinach in a fun Hasselback style cut that not only looks impressive but also ensures maximum flavor in every bite.

If you’ve ever searched for an easy recipe that’s both healthy and indulgent, this dish checks all the boxes. With a simple step by step cooking method, you can whip up this homemade, family-friendly dinner without stress. Plus, the gooey melted cheese and earthy spinach make it a comfort food classic you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about combining simplicity with elegance. Hasselback chicken may look like something out of a fine-dining restaurant, but once you try making it, you’ll realize how simple it really is. Here’s why it will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight or weekend dishes:

• Easy yet impressive: With just a few knife cuts and a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a show-stopping dinner.

• Flavor-packed: Juicy chicken breast combined with creamy cheese and earthy spinach makes each bite a delight.

• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love cheesy chicken, and the hidden spinach adds a healthy twist.

• Customizable: You can play around with different cheeses, add spices, or even include mushrooms, peppers, or herbs.

• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal, a dinner party, or a romantic dinner, this dish fits right in.

The balance of cheesy indulgence with a lean protein base makes it satisfying without being heavy. And the best part? It reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste.

What Makes It Healthy & Special

At first glance, cheesy chicken might not sound like a healthy recipe, but this Hasselback method is both nutritious and balanced:

• High-protein, low-carb: Chicken breast is naturally lean and high in protein, making it a staple for healthy eating.

• Hidden greens: Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber perfect for boosting nutrition in a subtle way.

• Calcium boost: Cheese adds flavor, texture, and essential calcium for stronger bones.

• No heavy frying: Since this dish is baked, you avoid unnecessary oils and calories.

• Custom health swaps: Using Greek yogurt, low-fat cheese, or olive oil instead of butter keeps it lighter.

Unlike fried chicken recipes that can feel greasy or carb-heavy, this dish is light yet indulgent, offering the best of both worlds flavor and wellness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900 g)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt (to taste)

Filling (Spinach & Cheese Mixture)

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for sharper flavor)

• ½ cup (50 g) cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing spinach)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Substitutions:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version.

• Swap mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for more kick.

Instructions / Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.

• Grease a baking dish with a light drizzle of olive oil or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.

2. Using a sharp knife, make 5-6 deep slits across each breast, about ¾ of the way through (don’t cut all the way).

3. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

👉 Pro Tip: Place a spoon or chopstick along the side of the chicken while slicing to prevent cutting too deep.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Toss in chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4:

In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan.

1. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5:

1. Take a spoonful of spinach-cheese mixture and stuff it into each slit of the chicken breast.

2. Press down lightly so the filling sits snugly inside.

Visual Cue: The slits should look generously stuffed, with cheese peeking out slightly.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

1. Arrange stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

2. Bake for 22-25 minutes at 200°C / 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F.

3. Cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken golden brown at the edges.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.

2. Plate with a side of garlic bread, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the chicken earlier in the day, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Recipe Information Box

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Cuisine: Fusion (Western + Healthy twist)

Notes / Tips

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the filling.

• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free just pair with gluten-free sides.

• Protein Add-ins: Mix in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken into the filling.

Substitutions

• Use cottage cheese or ricotta instead of cream cheese.

• Replace spinach with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in an oven at 175°C / 350°F to keep the chicken juicy.

• Avoid microwaving too long it can dry the chicken.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Dry chicken: Don’t overbake. Use a thermometer for accuracy.

• Filling leaks out: Overstuffing or shallow cuts can cause overflow.

• Cheese burns: Cover loosely with foil in the last 5 minutes if needed.

Tools & Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife

• 12-inch skillet

• Oven thermometer

• Medium mixing bowl

• Baking dish

Serving Ideas

• Garlic bread and Caesar salad for a classic combo.

• Steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini for a lighter pairing.

• A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay) complements the cheesy richness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Protein: 48 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Carbs: 5 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 480 mg

Conclusion

The Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Cheese proves that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. With a simple step by step cooking method, minimal ingredients, and plenty of room for creativity, this recipe is perfect for home cooks who want to impress without stress.

So grab your knife, make those Hasselback cuts, and enjoy a cheesy, juicy, flavor-packed dinner tonight!

Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Cheesy & Flavor-Packed Dinner

Juicy chicken stuffed with creamy spinach and cheese. An easy recipe that looks gourmet but takes under an hour. Packed with protein, calcium, and nutrients from spinach. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Reheats beautifully and can be customized with endless variations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Western

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt to taste
• Filling Spinach & Cheese Mixture
• 1 ½ cups 150 g fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for sharper flavor)
• ½ cup 50 g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing spinach
• Optional Add-ins
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 👉 Substitutions:
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for more kick.

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
2. Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
3. Grease a baking dish with a light drizzle of olive oil or line with parchment paper.
4. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
5. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
6. Using a sharp knife, make 5-6 deep slits across each breast, about ¾ of the way through (don’t cut all the way).
7. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
8. Pro Tip: Place a spoon or chopstick along the side of the chicken while slicing to prevent cutting too deep.
9. Step 3: Cook the Spinach
10. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
11. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Toss in chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
13. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
14. Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
15. In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
16. Mix until smooth and creamy.
17. Step 5: Stuff the Chicken
18. Take a spoonful of spinach-cheese mixture and stuff it into each slit of the chicken breast.
19. Press down lightly so the filling sits snugly inside.
20. Visual Cue: The slits should look generously stuffed, with cheese peeking out slightly.
21. Step 6: Bake the Chicken
22. Arrange stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
23. Bake for 22-25 minutes at 200°C / 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F.
24. Cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken golden brown at the edges.
25. Step 7: Rest & Serve
26. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
27. Plate with a side of garlic bread, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
28. Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the chicken earlier in the day, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Notes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the filling.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just pair with gluten-free sides.
• Protein Add-ins: Mix in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken into the filling.

Substitutions

• Use cottage cheese or ricotta instead of cream cheese.
• Replace spinach with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an oven at 175°C / 350°F to keep the chicken juicy.
• Avoid microwaving too long—it can dry the chicken.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Dry chicken: Don’t overbake. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Filling leaks out: Overstuffing or shallow cuts can cause overflow.
• Cheese burns: Cover loosely with foil in the last 5 minutes if needed.