Save to Pinterest There's something undeniably special about cutting into a perfectly cooked chicken breast to reveal a molten core of creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This Keto Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter transforms an ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience, without the carbs that would typically accompany such an indulgent meal.
Save to Pinterest This recipe was born from my desire to create something special that still fit within my low-carb lifestyle. The beauty of these stuffed chicken breasts lies in their versatility and the way the flavors meld together during baking. The spinach wilts perfectly into the creamy cheese, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. And that garlic butter? It's the crowning glory that turns this from a simple stuffed chicken into a memorable meal.
- For the Chicken & Filling
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 60 g (2 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 g (2 oz) cooked bacon, chopped (about 4 slices)
- 90 g (3 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Garlic Butter
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Prepare the oven and baking dish
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Make the filling
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped bacon, spinach, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
- Prepare the chicken
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and bacon mixture, dividing it evenly. Secure openings with toothpicks if needed.
- Arrange in baking dish
- Place stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare garlic butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add first layer of butter
- Brush half of the garlic butter over the chicken breasts.
- Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is bubbly (internal temperature should reach 74°C/165°F).
- Finish and serve
- Remove from oven, baste with remaining garlic butter, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks before serving.
For perfectly stuffed chicken breasts, use a sharp knife and take your time creating the pockets. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness before cutting the pocket, which helps them cook more evenly. Make sure to seal as much of the opening as possible with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour before stuffing.
This recipe welcomes many variations while still keeping it keto-friendly. Try using different types of cheese such as provolone or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Sun-dried tomatoes make a flavorful addition to the stuffing if you have room in your carb allowance. For a Mediterranean twist, add a few chopped kalamata olives and replace the mozzarella with feta cheese. If you're not strictly following keto, chopped artichoke hearts also work wonderfully in the filling.
Serve these stuffed chicken breasts on a bed of cauliflower mash for a complete low-carb dinner. Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides that complement the rich flavors of the dish. For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken on a diagonal to reveal the colorful filling, and drizzle extra garlic butter over the top. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the chicken.
Save to Pinterest This Keto Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter has become a staple in my household, appearing regularly on our dinner table and always receiving rave reviews from guests. The combination of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and satisfying fats makes it not just delicious but also perfectly aligned with keto nutritional goals. Even if you're not following a low-carb lifestyle, this dish stands on its own merits as a wonderful way to elevate chicken from ordinary to extraordinary.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you prevent the chicken from drying out?
Brushing garlic butter before and after baking helps retain moisture, and baking at the right temperature ensures juiciness.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, shredded cheddar or Gruyère can replace mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- → Is it necessary to secure the chicken breast openings?
Using toothpicks is recommended to keep the filling inside while baking, preventing leaks.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad make excellent low-carb sides to accompany the chicken.
- → Can extra spice be added to the filling?
A pinch of red pepper flakes can be mixed in to add a subtle heat to the filling.
