We combine feta, a salty, tangy cheese, with baby spinach for a bonus serving of greens built into a stuffed chicken breast. Try using mozzarella or provolone cheese for a more mild, kid-friendly dish. If you have leftover spinach, use it for a simple side salad. If you don’t want to bother stuffing the chicken cutlets, turn these ingredients into a simple salad with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast
- ▢2 teaspoons paprika
- ▢1 teaspoon oregano
- ▢1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢½ teaspoon onion powder
- ▢½ teaspoon salt
- ▢¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢2 tablespoons olive oil
For the filling
- ▢5 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed squeezed dry
- ▢½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ▢¼ cup ricotta cheese
- ▢2 tablespoons scallions chopped
- ▢2 garlic cloves minced
- ▢½ teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of the chicken breast to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Season the chicken breast with the seasoning and use your hands to rub the seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, scallions, garlic and dill. Stuff the mixture evenly inside the chicken breast, then use a couple toothpicks to close each pocket.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the stuffed chicken and sear until lightly golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven uncovered and bake until cooked through, about 15-18 minutes. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed to brown the skin.
Nutrition
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 133mg
- Sodium: 739mg
- Potassium: 840mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 4893IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 198mg
- Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
Want to make your Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts even tastier?
Try adding some extra ingredients.
They can add exciting flavors to your dish:
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Garlic powder
- Scallions, chopped
Preparation Tips for an Easy Chicken Dinner
Here’s how to make cooking fun and easy:
- Start by opening each chicken breast but don’t cut all the way through. This makes a pocket for the filling.
- Mix the filling in a bowl. Use fresh spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and spices like garlic powder and oregano.
- Put the spinach feta mix inside each chicken breast. You can also use cream cheese or mozzarella instead of feta.
- Wrap each chicken in bacon and hold with toothpicks for extra flavor.
- Heat a big pan and sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Then, put it in a baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes. Make sure the chicken is 165°F inside.
- This recipe makes 4 servings and takes 35 minutes to make.
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for 3 months.
It’s perfect for a quick meal any day of the week!
How to Make the Spinach Feta Filling
Making the spinach feta filling is easy and quick. First, thaw and drain a 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach. It’s important to squeeze out as much water as you can to keep the filling dry. In a bowl, mix the spinach with ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup of mayonnaise, and 2 chopped garlic cloves. This mix makes a creamy and tasty filling.
The Advantages of Feta Cheese in Your Diet
Feta cheese is great in many dishes. It’s full of protein and calcium, which are good for bones. It also has healthy fats like CLA and omega-3s. Feta has less fat than other cheeses. It adds creaminess without too many calories. Spinach and feta make a meal that’s both tasty and healthy.
Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Chicken
I love serving my Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts with tasty sides. A light salad or steamed veggies make a great pair. They offer a cool contrast to the chicken’s rich taste. For a fancy touch, try a balsamic reduction on top. Think about the texture of your sides. Couscous or quinoa are great because they’re soft but also filling. They’re part of my favorite healthy dinner ideas. Roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes also add a cozy feel. Adding these sides makes my stuffed chicken a complete meal. It’s perfect for any dinner, casual or special. The secret is to mix flavors and textures well, so every bite is a delight.
Cheese for a different cheese flavor
Add cooked bacon or chorizo for a savory richness that elevates the dish. Mix in sautéed mushrooms for an earthier taste. Use cream cheese for a creamier texture that pairs well with the chicken. These changes show how easy chicken recipes can meet many tastes and needs. It’s fun to make a dish that’s perfect for special times, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The mix of spinach and feta is tasty and comforting. It makes everyone excited for dinner. This dish adds fun to chicken dinners without being hard to make. I can make the stuffing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. This means I can bake the chicken quickly. It’s full of protein and flavor, making it a favorite for weeknights.
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