Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken paired with a savory and flavorful filling.
This dish brings together earthy spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, all stuffed inside succulent chicken breasts. It’s an easy yet elegant meal that can elevate any dinner, from casual weeknights to special occasions.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The spinach and feta stuffing can be customized to your taste, and it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Plus, it’s a high-protein dish packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for searing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme for variation)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The rich feta cheese adds a tangy creaminess that complements the spinach, while the garlic and herbs bring a fragrant aroma to the filling. The chicken itself serves as the perfect base, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the stuffing during the cooking process.
Equipment Needed
Before you begin making this delicious dish, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- Knife and Cutting Board: To butterfly the chicken breasts and chop the spinach and garlic.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For searing the chicken and creating a crispy golden crust.
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To secure the stuffed chicken breasts while cooking.
- Baking Dish: To transfer the seared chicken to finish cooking in the oven.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
These tools will help you easily prepare and cook the dish to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by butterflying the chicken breasts to create a pocket for the stuffing. Place the chicken on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut horizontally through the thickest part of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to leave a hinge that will allow the chicken to open like a book.
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavors.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Feta Filling
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before draining any excess moisture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese or ricotta (if using), chopped parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Carefully spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be generous with the filling, but make sure not to overstuff it. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the chicken breasts, ensuring the stuffing stays inside during cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. This step will help seal in the juices and give the chicken a nice crust.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the flavors of this hearty and healthy meal!
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so keep an eye on the time and check the temperature early.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the fridge.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe because it wilts down nicely and doesn’t release too much water, keeping the stuffing creamy and flavorful.
- Searing: Don’t skip the searing step! It helps lock in the juices and creates a beautifully crispy texture on the outside of the chicken.
Conclusion
Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to make yet feels special enough for a dinner party or family gathering.
The combination of tender chicken, savory spinach, and creamy feta cheese creates a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this recipe is both healthy and satisfying.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your chicken dinner to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the stuffing mixture to avoid excess moisture.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to bake them thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy them.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Yes! You can substitute the feta with mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta for a different flavor profile. The creamy cheese will work beautifully in the stuffing.
5. What can I serve with Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette. You could also serve it over pasta for a more filling meal.
Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Skillet or Frying Pan (large)
- 1 Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine (for securing the chicken)
- 1 Baking Dish (medium)
- 1 Meat Thermometer (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for searing
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by carefully cutting horizontally through the thickest part to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Feta Filling
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, drain any excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, crumbled feta, cream cheese or ricotta, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can stuff and refrigerate the chicken breasts for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have feta, you can substitute with goat cheese or mozzarella for a creamier stuffing.
- Fresh Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or rosemary for a unique twist on the flavor.
- Searing: Be sure to sear the chicken on both sides before baking to lock in the juices and create a golden crust.
