Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken because it’s a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a beautiful presentation. The chicken breasts are tender and juicy, packed with a vibrant filling that includes fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. It’s perfect for impressing guests or for a cozy family dinner. Plus, the entire dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still want something special. I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T04:43:28.056Z

During one of my kitchen experiments, I stumbled upon the combination of spinach and feta, and it was a match made in heaven! I started stuffing chicken breasts, and the result was astonishing. The creamy feta complements the earthy spinach perfectly, and together they create a luscious filling that transforms a simple chicken breast into a gourmet dish.

I’ve found that using fresh spinach adds a lovely flavor and vibrant color. Make sure to sauté it just until wilted; this preserves the nutrients and keeps the filling fresh. Also, tying the chicken with kitchen twine before baking helps it hold its shape and cooks evenly. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Succulent chicken breasts enveloping a flavorful spinach and feta filling
  • Quick and easy to prepare, great for weeknight dinners or special occasions
  • Wholesome ingredients that not only taste great but are nutritious too

The Role of Feta and Spinach

Feta cheese adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the earthiness of the spinach in this dish. The contrast between the crisp, slightly salty feta and the tender, wilted spinach creates a delightful filling that elevates the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. When crumbled and mixed with spinach, the feta's moisture helps keep the chicken juicy, while infusing it with rich flavors during the baking process.

Spinach, being a nutrient-packed leafy green, not only contributes to the dish's vibrant color but also enhances its overall nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium, spinach makes this stuffed chicken not just a pleasure to eat but also a wholesome option for your meal planning. Opt for fresh spinach—its texture holds up better during cooking than frozen varieties, which can release excess moisture and make the filling soggy.

Techniques for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken

Creating a pocket in the chicken breasts is crucial for a successful stuffing. Be careful not to slice all the way through to avoid losing the filling during cooking. If you're concerned about the integrity of the chicken, use a sharp paring knife and go slowly, which allows for more control. I recommend checking the pocket depth visually before stuffing to ensure even cooking and a secure hold for the filling.

When it comes to baking, arranging the chicken in a single layer in your baking dish is essential. This allows for even heat distribution and ensures that every piece gets nicely cooked, with a golden exterior and juicy interior. I like to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety while retaining its moist texture. Letting the chicken rest post-baking is a key step; it allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness when you slice into it.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Kitchen twine or toothpicks for securing

With these ingredients, you’re ready to create something wonderful!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the stuffed chicken:

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in crumbled feta and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.

Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through. Fill each pocket generously with the spinach and feta mixture. If desired, tie the chicken with kitchen twine or use toothpicks to secure.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and season the outside with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with your choice of sides and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Now you can savor your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

  • For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling. They complement the spinach and feta beautifully. Also, serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep! Stuff the chicken breasts the day before, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This step promotes even cooking and helps the chicken stay tender.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, I recommend wrapping each stuffed chicken breast in foil and then placing them in an airtight freezer bag. This method allows for much longer storage—up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to ensure even cooking. Let the chicken come to room temperature before heating to guarantee that it's fully heated through.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Pairing the stuffed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad enhances the meal without overwhelming it. Consider serving it with a light lemon vinaigrette on the side, as the acidity cuts through the richness of the feta and adds brightness to each bite. For a heartier option, a side of quinoa or brown rice can help soak up any drippings from the chicken, making for a satisfying plate.

If you're looking to mix things up, consider adding other herbs or ingredients to the stuffing. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can add a unique twist, or you could incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for an added layer of flavor. For a dairy-free version, swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach for the filling?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the mixture.

→ What can I serve with Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

I absolutely love making Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken because it’s a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a beautiful presentation. The chicken breasts are tender and juicy, packed with a vibrant filling that includes fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. It’s perfect for impressing guests or for a cozy family dinner. Plus, the entire dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still want something special. I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  3. 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon olive oil
  6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Kitchen twine or toothpicks for securing

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in crumbled feta and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through. Fill each pocket generously with the spinach and feta mixture. If desired, tie the chicken with kitchen twine or use toothpicks to secure.

Step 03

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and season the outside with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Step 04

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with your choice of sides and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling. They complement the spinach and feta beautifully. Also, serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g