Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast: An Incredibly Tasty Recipe
A tasty and filling dish, feta stuffed chicken breast blends the richness of delicate chicken with the creamy, tangy texture of feta cheese. This recipe is simple to make and ideal for a cozy weeknight supper or a big occasion. Every bite of the succulent stuffed chicken is well complemented by the delicate sweetness of the herbs and the sharpness of the feta. This recipe is sure to impress whether it is served with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
The Reasons This Recipe Will Be Your Favorite
- Rich and Flavorful: The chicken is complemented by the tangy flavor of the creamy feta cheese stuffing.
- Versatile: It pairs well with a range of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, and vegetables.
- Easy and Fast: This recipe just requires a few ingredients and a straightforward preparation technique, making it ready in approximately 40 minutes.
- Low-Carb & High-Protein: Perfect for a filling, nutritious supper without sacrificing taste.
Important Components and Their Functions
The dish’s star, the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, are soft and serve as a vehicle for the tasty feta stuffing.
- Feta Cheese: This cheese gives the stuffing a rich, creamy, salty taste. It gives the chicken a delightfully creamy bite as it melts a little within.
Spinach: A light vegetable that gives the dish color and nutrients while counterbalancing the richness of the feta cheese.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics provide depth to the filling and improve its flavor.
Herbs and Seasonings: Lemon zest, basil, and oregano combine to enhance the dish’s flavors and provide freshness.
Here’s the Recipe Card for Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast:
Recipe Card: Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
| Recipe Name | Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean / American |
| Dish Type | Main Course |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 1 cup |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups (sautéed) |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1/2 small |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 1 tsp (optional) |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 2 | Create a pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. |
| 3 | In a bowl, mix together crumbled feta cheese, sautéed spinach, garlic, onion, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. |
| 4 | Stuff each chicken breast with the feta and spinach mixture. Seal with toothpicks if necessary. |
| 5 | Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. |
| 6 | Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). |
| 7 | Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve garnished with fresh basil if desired. |
Serving Suggestions
| Side Dishes | Drinks |
|---|---|
| Roasted vegetables, rice, or salad | White wine, sparkling water |
| Garlic bread or quinoa | Iced tea or lemonade |
Tips for Success
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Fresh Herbs | Fresh herbs add more vibrant flavor to the dish. |
| Don’t Overstuff | Avoid overstuffing the chicken to prevent the filling from leaking out. |
| Ensure Chicken is Fully Cooked | Check the internal temperature with a thermometer. |
Enjoy your Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Detailed Directions
1. Get the chicken ready
Prepare your chicken breasts first. Make a pocket in the middle of each chicken breast with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to make a pocket that is big enough to fit the ingredients within, but yet has enough corners to keep everything in place.
2. Prepare the Filling
Combine crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh spinach (raw or sautéed, depending on your desire), lemon juice, and some fresh or dried herbs, such as basil and oregano, in a bowl. Depending on your preferred level of tenderness, you can either add the spinach raw or sauté it slightly in olive oil.
3. Fill the Chicken with Food
Make sure the stuffing is securely stuffed into the pocket of each chicken breast by carefully packing it with the feta and spinach mixture. Press the edges together to keep the stuffing within during cooking, or close the opening with toothpicks if needed.
The fourth step is to season the chicken.
Season the packed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and extra herbs if you like after rubbing them with olive oil. For extra freshness, you can also pour some lemon juice over the chicken.
The fifth step is to cook the chicken.
Add a little olive oil to a big skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. The chicken breasts should be golden brown after 3–4 minutes of searing on each side. After the chicken is seared on all sides, lower the heat and let it cook for ten to twelve more minutes. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may also finish cooking them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
6. Give the Chicken Time to Relax
Before slicing, take the chicken out of the skillet and let it to rest for a few minutes once it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This keeps the chicken moist and helps preserve its juices.
Suggestions for Serving
- With Roasted Vegetables: For a well-rounded supper, feta-stuffed chicken is a great match for roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
- With Salad: The flavors of the dish are enhanced by a crisp Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
With Rice or Quinoa: To help absorb any excess chicken juices, serve with quinoa, rice, or couscous on the side.
With Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment if you’re in the mood for some carbohydrates.
Achievement Advice
The use of fresh herbs, such as oregano and basil, will enhance their flavor more than that of dried herbs.
Avoid Overstuffing: Take care not to stuff the bird too full. Not so much that it explodes while cooking, but just enough to flavor the chicken.
Make Sure Chicken Is Fully Cooked: Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Feel free to experiment with the fillings. To make the meal more unique, you can add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts to the stuffing.
The Reasons This Recipe Is Effective
Savory spinach and tart feta cheese make a delicious mix, and the creamy filling contrasts wonderfully with the juicy, delicate chicken. Without being overpowering, the savory yet light stuffing gives the perfect amount of decadence. It’s also an ideal go-to choice for hectic days or special occasions because it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn‘t call for elaborate skills.
Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast will always be a hit whether it is served with salad, spaghetti, or roasted veggies. This dish, which combines Mediterranean tastes in one delicately filled chicken breast, is both tasty and adaptable. Have fun!
