The Zesty Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe

Succulent chicken breast meets creamy feta and vibrant spinach in a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure.

Layers of flavor dance across your plate with each carefully crafted bite.

Tender proteins nestle against tangy cheese and earthy greens, creating a harmonious blend.

Nutritious ingredients combine to deliver a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Mediterranean seasonings weave through the dish, adding depth and complexity.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that transports you to sun-drenched coastal landscapes.

Venture into this delectable journey and savor every delicious moment.

Why Baked Chicken Chimichangas Are Easy And Crispy

• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet dining experience with this simple yet sophisticated chicken recipe that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
• Boost Nutrition with Delicious Ingredients: Pack your meal with healthy spinach and protein-rich chicken, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and supports wellness without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize for Any Dietary Preference: Easily adapt the recipe by using dairy-free feta alternatives or adjusting seasonings, making it perfect for various dietary needs and taste preferences.
• Master Impressive Cooking Technique: Learn the butterfly technique for chicken breasts, gaining a valuable culinary skill that elevates your cooking confidence and impresses family and friends.

Ingredients For Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary base for this flavorful stuffed dish.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy and crumbly Greek cheese that adds rich, salty flavor to the chicken filling.
• Spinach: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a fresh and slightly earthy taste to the stuffing.

• Red Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a deep and savory flavor profile for the chicken filling.
• Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide a traditional Mediterranean-inspired seasoning blend.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Lemon Juice: A bright, citrusy element that adds a fresh and zesty finish to the roasted chicken dish.

• Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffed chicken breasts and prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.

How To Make Baked Chicken Chimichangas At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F, creating a warm cooking environment that will perfectly cook the chicken.

Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a butterfly-like pocket without cutting completely through. This technique allows for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Finely chopped red onion
• Minced garlic
• Fresh spinach leaves

Gently mix these ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

Carefully spoon the feta-spinach mixture into the chicken breast pockets. Press gently to ensure even distribution and complete filling.

Step 5: Secure the Chicken

Use toothpicks to close the chicken breast openings, preventing the delicious filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 6: Season the Chicken

• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each chicken breast is evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 7: Arrange for Baking

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, keeping them slightly separated to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Roast to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 9: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Step 10: Final Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving, adding a bright and zesty flavor to complete the dish.

Smart Tips For Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Master the Butterfly Technique: Slice chicken breasts horizontally with a sharp knife, creating an even pocket without cutting completely through for perfect stuffing.
• Prevent Filling Spillage: Use toothpicks strategically to secure the chicken breasts, keeping the delicious feta and spinach mixture inside during baking.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results, avoiding dry or undercooked meat.
• Boost Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Replace dried oregano with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and taste.
• Rest and Refresh: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute and adding a splash of fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finish.

New Twists On Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Mediterranean Chicken Roll-Ups: Wrap the stuffed chicken in prosciutto before baking for an extra layer of salty flavor and crispy texture.
• Greek-Style Quinoa Chicken: Serve the feta-spinach chicken over a bed of herbed quinoa, creating a protein-packed and nutrient-rich meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Add red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños to the filling for a zesty kick that enhances the original recipe's flavors.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken Variation: Coat the outside of the chicken with a mixture of breadcrumbs, dried herbs, and grated parmesan before baking for a crunchy exterior.

Tasty Sides With Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy feta and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve Alongside Greek Salad: Create a refreshing side with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and a light vinaigrette that echoes the Mediterranean flavors of the stuffed chicken.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and dill to enhance the oregano and spinach notes while providing a protein-packed, nutritious accompaniment.
• Complement with Roasted Lemon Asparagus: Roast asparagus with a touch of lemon zest to mirror the citrusy finish of the chicken and add a vibrant green vegetable to the plate.

How To Store Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Store leftover chicken breast in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken moist and fresh.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which preserves the meal for up to 2 months.
• Warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain its juicy texture.
• Always let the chicken cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.

Common Questions On Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if placing them directly from the fridge into the oven.

• What if I don't have toothpicks to secure the filling?

Use kitchen twine or carefully tuck the edges of the chicken breast under itself to keep the filling inside. You can also use metal skewers as an alternative to toothpicks.

Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired chicken breast with feta and spinach delivers elegant simplicity on your dinner plate. Delicate chicken layers merge with tangy cheese and earthy greens, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup feta cheese

Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating a perfectly heated environment for baking the chicken.
2. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a pocket for the flavorful filling by slicing horizontally without cutting completely through.
3. Finely chop the red onion and garlic, then combine with crumbled feta and fresh spinach in a mixing bowl.
4. Gently stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach-feta mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
5. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Finish by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving, adding a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

Notes

• Butterfly technique requires a sharp knife and gentle hand motions to create an even pocket without cutting through the entire chicken breast.
• Perfectly distribute feta and spinach mixture by using a small spoon or hands, ensuring each bite contains balanced flavors.
• Toothpicks work best when inserted horizontally to securely close the chicken breast and prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary preferences, maintaining the creamy texture and tangy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 95mg