– **Title**: Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. While the spinach mixture cools, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
5. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally, but not all the way through.
6. Stuff each pocket with the spinach and feta mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed among the chicken breasts.
7. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Enjoy your Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for stuffing. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They’re juicier and flavorful, just adjust the cooking time as they might take a bit longer.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a bright flavor, but you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes. They’ll change the taste slightly, but still delicious!
Cream Cheese: This gives creaminess to the filling, but Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can work as lighter alternatives. They’ll bring different textures, so choose based on what you prefer.
Olive Oil: If you’re out of olive oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used. Olive oil adds a nice flavor, which is something to keep in mind when substituting.
How Do You Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but it gets easier with a few tips. Creating the pocket is the key step. Make sure your knife is sharp to cut cleanly without going all the way through.
- Position the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Hold it steady with one hand.
- With the knife, cut into one side to create a pocket. Aim for the center without piercing through the other side.
- Once you have your pocket, stuff it generously with the spinach and feta mixture, pressing gently to fit.
- Seal the opening with toothpicks if needed, but be gentle not to break the chicken.
Taking your time will help you get a great filling without making a mess!
Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For The Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Seasoning and Cooking:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready for your chicken when you’re done preparing it.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s nicely combined. This cheesy filling is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create enough space to hold the filling without the chicken breaking apart.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Generously fill each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture. Try to stuff them well, so each bite is full of delicious flavor!
5. Season the Chicken:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper over the outside of the chicken breasts for that extra kick of flavor.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. This helps to lock in all those yummy juices!
7. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly through.
8. Rest and Slice:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish your delicious chicken with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve it with a side salad or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw them completely first! The best method is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge them in cold water in a sealed bag for a quick thaw. Once thawed, pat them dry to help the searing process.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste. Cream cheese can be used alone or in combination with either option for added creaminess!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, they may need an extra minute or two in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a quick meal!
