Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Introduction

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious and nutritious way to elevate your dinner. The combination of tender, juicy chicken breast filled with savory spinach and tangy feta cheese is a winning combination that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With a burst of flavor in every bite, these stuffed chicken breasts are surprisingly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. Paired with your favorite sides, they make a satisfying and healthy meal that’s sure to impress.

I remember the first time I made these for a family dinner. The aroma of the chicken baking with the spinach and feta filling had everyone excited before they even tasted it. What’s great about these stuffed chicken breasts is how versatile they are—you can customize the filling with other ingredients like garlic, herbs, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. Whether you serve them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite grains, they make for a meal that’s both healthy and flavorful. These stuffed chicken breasts are always a hit!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Date nights
• Meal prepping
• Healthy eating
• Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts will quickly become one of your favorite meals:

• Flavorful Filling: The creamy, tangy feta cheese and earthy spinach create a rich and savory stuffing that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
• High in Protein: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, making this dish a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking impressive, these stuffed chicken breasts are easy to prepare and cook, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
• Versatile: You can pair them with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to a fresh salad, or even over a bed of rice or quinoa.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make it a great option for family meals, and kids will love the stuffed chicken.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach adds nutrition and a vibrant green color to the stuffing.
• Feta Cheese: This brined, crumbly cheese brings a salty and tangy flavor to the filling, complementing the spinach beautifully.
• Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the perfect vessel for stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: Helps to bind the filling together, adding richness and a smooth texture.
• Herbs and Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling:

4. Sauté the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.

Stuff the Chicken:

6. Fill the Chicken Breasts: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and feta mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling is evenly distributed. You may need to secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling in place.

Cook the Chicken:

7. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 75°C internal temperature).
9. Rest the Chicken: Remove the toothpicks (if used) and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve and Garnish:

10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the stuffed chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

How to Serve

• With a Side of Vegetables: Pair the stuffed chicken with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy, well-rounded meal.
• Over a Bed of Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make the dish more filling.
• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad or Mediterranean-style salad with olives, cucumber, and tomatoes would complement the dish perfectly.
• With Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with herbs make a delicious and hearty side.

Additional Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some extra feta cheese on top of the chicken before baking.
• Make the stuffing ahead of time and stuff the chicken breasts just before cooking to save time.

Recipe Variations

1. Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
2. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
4. Spinach, Feta, and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts
5. Spinach and Parmesan Stuffed Chicken Breasts
6. Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts
7. Spinach and Herb-Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
8. Spinach and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
9. Pesto and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
10. Spicy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts (with jalapeños)

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Sharp knife for butterflying chicken
• Toothpicks (optional)
• Meat thermometer

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, but they may need a little less time to cook.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking.
4. Can I use other cheeses? Yes, mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta would also work well as substitutes.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

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Conclusion

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With the creamy spinach and feta filling, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. The tender chicken combined with the savory, cheesy filling creates a harmonious bite that’s both comforting and healthy.

This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it as a romantic dinner for two, Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts never fail to impress.

I’d love to see how your Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!