This Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory filling of fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. It’s a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein and leafy greens, this dish offers a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
-
Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavors: The combination of creamy feta and sautéed spinach brings a rich, savory taste to the table.
-
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is accessible even on busy days.
-
Versatile Pairings: Pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
-
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
-
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until wilted, then remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Stuff the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with the spinach and feta mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary.
-
Season and Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
-
Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
-
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
-
Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Variations
-
Cheese Alternatives: Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture and a slightly tangier flavor.
-
Additional Flavors: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
-
Greens Substitution: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and taste.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Ensure it’s fully thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before mixing with the feta.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
What side dishes complement this meal?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a side of rice or quinoa.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Ensure not to overstuff the chicken breasts and secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling intact.
Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking?
Yes, grilling is an excellent alternative. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the stuffed chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring it’s cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
While it’s possible to freeze, the texture of the feta cheese may change upon thawing. For best results, it’s recommended to consume fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.
What other cheeses can I use if I don’t have feta?
Goat cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor.
How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
Marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before stuffing can enhance the flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Conclusion
Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is a flavorful and nutritious dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Its combination of tender chicken, savory spinach, and tangy feta makes it a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Print
Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Chicken, Mediterranean
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory blend of spinach, garlic, and feta cheese. With minimal ingredients and bold flavors, this easy low-carb, high-protein meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through. Fill with spinach-feta mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Season and Bake: Place stuffed chicken in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Extra Flavor: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy boost.
- Different Greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Grilling Option: Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *