Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful, elegant, and nutrient-rich dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a savory, creamy filling of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome — perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or even entertaining guests.

It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with salads, roasted vegetables, or grains — making it as adaptable as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s incredibly flavorful without being heavy, and it feels sophisticated even though it’s easy to make.

It’s also healthy, low-carb, and high in protein, which makes it guilt-free comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing dinner guests, this dish never fails to impress.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Nutrient-packed: Loaded with lean protein, iron-rich spinach, and calcium from feta.
  • Restaurant-quality meal at home: Elegant presentation, yet easy to make.
  • Flavor explosion: The Mediterranean-inspired filling adds vibrant, fresh taste.
  • Quick and convenient: Simple prep, minimal cleanup, and oven-baked perfection.
  • Meal-prep friendly: Freezes and reheats beautifully.

This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy comfort food with bold flavor and an elegant touch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

  • Course: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean / American Fusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Spinach-Feta Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  4. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then stir in feta cheese, cream cheese (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix well to create a creamy filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket horizontally into the thickest part of each breast — careful not to cut all the way through.
  3. Season each chicken breast with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

  1. Spoon the spinach-feta mixture into each chicken pocket, dividing evenly.
  2. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed to keep the filling inside.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken (Optional for Extra Flavor)

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
  3. (If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish afterward.)

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the stuffed chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

  • Slice the chicken diagonally to showcase the beautiful green-and-white filling.
  • Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Pairs wonderfully with:
    • Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
    • Steamed rice or quinoa
    • Greek salad or mixed greens
    • Garlic butter asparagus or green beans

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overstuff — it’s better to slightly underfill than risk bursting.
  • Secure with toothpicks before baking to hold the filling inside.
  • For juicier chicken, sear before baking.
  • Always rest chicken for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices.
  • If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all moisture to avoid sogginess.

Recipe Variations

  • Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken: Replace feta with mozzarella for a melty, mild variation.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives to the filling.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon before baking for a smoky twist.
  • Kale and Goat Cheese Version: Substitute spinach with kale and feta with goat cheese for a richer, earthy flavor.
  • Spicy Spinach-Feta Chicken: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.
  • Mushroom Spinach Filling: Sauté chopped mushrooms with spinach for a heartier option.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer (Uncooked): Freeze stuffed but uncooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Freezer (Cooked): Freeze cooked chicken for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  • Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth or olive oil before reheating to keep it moist.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Sharp knife (for cutting pockets)
  • Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
  • Toothpicks (for sealing)
  • Meat thermometer (recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and stuff the chicken up to one day ahead, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, though cooking time may vary slightly. Breasts are better for stuffing because they hold shape.

Q3: What if I don’t like feta?
Use ricotta, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a milder flavor.

Q4: Can I cook this on the stovetop only?
You can pan-sear and then cover to finish cooking over low heat, though baking gives a more even texture.

Q5: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overbaking — remove once the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Rest before slicing.

Conclusion

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a dish that beautifully marries simplicity with sophistication. Tender, juicy chicken filled with creamy, garlicky spinach and tangy feta makes every bite deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect harmony of health, flavor, and comfort — light enough for everyday meals, yet special enough for entertaining.

If you’re looking for a flavorful, protein-packed, and easy-to-prepare meal that’s sure to impress, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Serve it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • For the Spinach-Feta Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)

  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Filling : Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then stir in feta cheese, cream cheese (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy filling.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Chicken : Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket horizontally into the thickest part of each breast — careful not to cut all the way through. Season each chicken breast with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
  • Step 3: Stuff the Chicken : Spoon the spinach-feta mixture into each chicken pocket, dividing evenly. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed to keep the filling inside.
  • Step 4: Sear the Chicken (Optional for Extra Flavor) : Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden. (If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish afterward.)
  • Step 5: Bake the Chicken : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffed chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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