Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Stuffed chicken breasts are a simple yet elegant dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite. In this version, we’re giving the chicken a Mediterranean-inspired twist by filling it with a savory combination of chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. These ingredients work together to create a vibrant, herbaceous stuffing that keeps the chicken juicy and tender as it bakes.
This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Paired with your favorite roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad, it’s a complete meal that’s nutritious, satisfying, and packed with character.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this wholesome, Mediterranean-style dish:
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless. Be sure to cut a deep pocket into each breast for the filling.
- Spinach: 1 cup, chopped. This adds freshness and a healthy boost of iron and fiber.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup, finely chopped. Their intense, tangy flavor adds depth to the filling.
- Feta cheese: ½ cup, crumbled. It brings a creamy, slightly salty contrast to the other ingredients.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Adds a rich, aromatic layer to the stuffing.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon. Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon. A staple Mediterranean herb that enhances the flavor.
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon. Balances the oregano with its sweet, slightly peppery profile.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken before baking.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: Essential for keeping the stuffed chicken breasts intact while cooking.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly distributed.
Step 3:
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into each pocket and secure with toothpicks or twine to hold the filling in place.
Step 4:
Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. The olive oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
Step 5:
Place the prepared chicken breasts into the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine, slice, and serve hot. These stuffed chicken breasts are flavorful, juicy, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your stuffed chicken alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or potatoes, or pair it with a crisp salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette. It also goes well with quinoa or couscous for a complete Mediterranean-style dinner.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—this will help preserve its texture better than microwaving.
Helpful Notes
- Want a creamier texture? Swap out feta for goat cheese or even ricotta for a milder filling.
- Looking for even more Mediterranean flavor? Toss in a few chopped kalamata olives for a briny pop.
- Make sure not to overfill the chicken—just enough to keep the pocket closed easily when secured.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ina Garten recommends marinating chicken breasts ahead of time in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken extra moist and tender.
Jamie Oliver suggests gently pounding the chicken breasts with a meat mallet before stuffing. Flattening them slightly helps with even cooking and makes stuffing easier by enlarging the pocket.
Stuffed Chicken
Juicy, golden-baked chicken breasts filled with a savory mix of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese—a delicious and healthy dinner idea with Mediterranean flair.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Category: Hearty Mains
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Yield: 4 Servings
Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free