If you have been searching for a dish that combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with simple preparation, you are going to love this Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, tangy spinach and feta mixture. The filling bursts with freshness and richness, while the outside of the chicken is perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t require a complicated process or hard-to-find ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe is a breeze. Each ingredient here plays a vital role in building up layers of flavor, texture, and color — from the fresh green spinach to the creamy tang of feta and cream cheese, and the aromatic herbs that make the whole dish sing.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect tender base to hold the delicious filling without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps season the chicken beautifully during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant punch that brings warmth and depth to the spinach.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Freshness and vibrant color, plus a mild earthiness that pairs so well with cheese.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle heat that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a Mediterranean herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smoky sweetness and a beautiful golden hue.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: The star cheese of the filling — salty, tangy, and creamy in every bite.
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened: Ensures the filling is luxuriously smooth and luscious.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts the filling with its zesty brightness and balances the cheese’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and a clean finish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). With a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold your luscious spinach and feta filling, so take your time to make a nice, deep space without splitting the meat apart.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach and Garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down beautifully and garlic becomes fragrant. This simple step is key to bringing out the best flavors from the greens and garlic before adding the cheeses.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Mix everything until it all comes together into a creamy, savory filling. This combination is where the magic of the Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe truly shines — fresh, tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Using a spoon, carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and feta mixture. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while baking. This keeps the chicken moist and ensures every bite contains that dreamy stuffing.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with the remaining olive oil. Then season generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika to create a beautifully flavored crust once baked. Place the chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. The aroma at this point will be irresistible!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the toothpicks, sprinkle over fresh parsley, and get ready to enjoy this stunning dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green color but also a mild, herbaceous note that complements the rich filling perfectly. For a bit more zest, you might add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal or opt for roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter balance. Mediterranean quinoa or couscous could also be delightful companions, soaking up any juices from the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner presentation, slice the stuffed chicken breasts into thick medallions to reveal the colorful filling and neatly arrange them on a platter. Layer with extra crumbled feta or fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality look that will wow your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them refrigerated quickly after serving helps maintain freshness and prevents the delicate spinach filling from turning watery.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts either cooked or uncooked. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they will keep their best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power, but baking helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents the filling from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with thawed and well-drained frozen spinach. Just be sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to avoid a watery filling in your Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
If cream cheese is not available, Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used as alternatives to add creaminess to the filling. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
From start to finish, the Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe takes about 45 minutes, including prep and baking time, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it focuses on fresh ingredients without any breading or gluten-containing sauces, making it friendly for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs like dill or basil to customize the spinach and feta filling. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors so the filling doesn’t become overpowering.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe comes together so effortlessly yet delivers on incredible flavor and presentation. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a wholesome, satisfying meal without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own — it’s truly a wonderful way to elevate simple chicken breasts into a dish that feels like a celebration at your dinner table.
Print
Easy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of wilted spinach, garlic, feta, and cream cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s delicious, healthy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Spinach Filling
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each boneless, skinless chicken breast without cutting all the way through to create space for the filling.
- Cook spinach mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Make filling: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, and lemon juice until the mixture is well combined.
- Stuff chicken breasts: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Season chicken: Rub the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika evenly on all sides.
- Bake: Place the seasoned, stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and serve: Remove toothpicks carefully. Garnish the baked chicken with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with your choice of side dishes such as rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice and olive oil for 30 minutes before stuffing.
- This dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
