Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that elevates the standard chicken dinner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese, seasoned to perfection, and baked until golden brown.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried dill

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both the outside and inside of the chicken breasts with this spice blend.
4. In another bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, chopped scallions, minced garlic, and dried dill. Mix well.
5. Evenly stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and feta mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
6. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden brown color.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For additional browning, you can broil the chicken for an extra 1-2 minutes if desired.
8. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Enjoy your Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken hot.

Nutrients

• Calories: 354 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 133mg
• Sodium: 739mg
• Potassium: 840mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 4893 IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 198mg
• Iron: 2mg

Nutritional Benefits of Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken

Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The chicken breast serves as a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It’s also a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight, as it is low in fat and rich in protein.

Spinach, the primary vegetable in the filling, is loaded with vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Spinach is also rich in iron, an essential mineral that helps in the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Additionally, spinach contains antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.

Feta cheese, made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, is a flavorful addition to the dish. While it adds a significant amount of calcium, it’s also lower in fat compared to other cheeses, making it a healthier option. Feta also contains probiotics that support gut health. The combination of these ingredients ensures that Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken isn’t just delicious but also a nutritious meal that supports overall health.

Why Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is a Great Dinner Option

Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is an excellent choice for dinner, whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering. The dish strikes a perfect balance between taste and nutrition. The chicken breast is versatile and can be paired with various sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, making it suitable for a wide range of palates. It’s also relatively quick to prepare, especially if you pre-make the stuffing ahead of time.

This dish is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. It is a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet because it is high in protein and healthy fats. Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is also gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for those with gluten sensitivities. If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, you can serve it with a side of leafy greens or a salad to boost its fiber content. The dish can easily be modified to accommodate vegetarian diets by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, making it a flexible recipe for various dietary needs.

Another reason why this dish is so popular is its ability to be prepared in advance. You can stuff and sear the chicken breasts, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a perfect meal for busy weekdays when you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You can also double the recipe to make leftovers, which will taste just as good the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

How to Enhance the Flavor of Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken

While the combination of spinach and feta is already delicious, there are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. You can experiment with different seasonings, herbs, and fillings to create a dish that’s uniquely your own. For example, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the spinach and feta mixture can brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick. You can also include sun-dried tomatoes or olives to introduce an additional layer of Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you could substitute the ricotta cheese with cream cheese or add a bit of Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch. For those who like a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture can give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors. You could also experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance the taste profile.

Additionally, for a more decadent option, you can top the stuffed chicken with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. This adds both visual appeal and a tangy finish to the dish. The possibilities for enhancing this dish are endless, and with a bit of creativity, you can make this recipe your own.

Serving Suggestions for Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken

To fully complement the flavors of the Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken, consider serving it with a variety of sides that balance the richness of the dish. A classic option would be roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, which provide a fresh, earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken. You could also serve the chicken with a light salad, such as arugula or mixed greens, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy stuffing inside the chicken.

For a heartier meal, you might opt for mashed potatoes or quinoa. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken, and their creamy texture complements the chicken and filling. Quinoa, on the other hand, is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides a satisfying side dish with added protein and fiber. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great choice as it mimics the texture of rice but is lower in calories and carbs.

If you want to keep the meal light, consider serving the stuffed chicken with a vegetable stir-fry or steamed broccoli. The crispness of the vegetables will add a nice contrast to the dish’s rich filling. A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a great addition, allowing you to scoop up the delicious juices from the stuffed chicken. Regardless of the sides you choose, this dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with both light and hearty accompaniments.

Conclusion

Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is a delightful and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken breast, savory spinach and feta filling, and the ability to be customized with a variety of seasonings and additions, it’s a recipe that will satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this stuffed chicken recipe is sure to be a hit.

Beyond its delicious flavors, this dish also packs a nutritional punch. The combination of lean chicken, spinach, and feta provides a hearty dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-balanced meal. The ability to adjust the recipe to suit various dietary needs, whether it’s low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian, further adds to its appeal.