Description
This Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful filling. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. A hot oven will give the chicken a nice, golden exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no clumps of cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Take each chicken breast and make a horizontal cut along the side to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create enough space for the filling without compromising the integrity of the chicken.
- Stuff each chicken breast generously with the spinach-feta filling, using about 1/4 to 1/3 cup for each. Press the filling slightly to pack it in. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening, ensuring that none of the filling escapes during cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is crucial for adding flavor and locking in moisture.
- Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Be sure to remove the toothpicks or twine before slicing into the chicken!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.