Description
Succulent Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast marries herbed feta and spinach within tender chicken, creating a flavor symphony that transports palates to sunny Greek islands. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises a restaurant-quality experience you can easily craft in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Stuffing:
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Coating and Cooking:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast by carefully slicing through the thickest side, ensuring not to cut completely through.
- Mix spinach, feta cheese, minced garlic, cream cheese, and parsley in a bowl to create a creamy, herb-infused stuffing.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach-feta mixture, pressing gently to seal.
- Whisk eggs in a shallow dish and combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and dried oregano in another dish.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create an even, crispy coating.
- Drizzle olive oil over the breaded chicken breasts to enhance golden browning.
- Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality spinach for maximum flavor and nutrients in the stuffing.
- Prevent filling leakage by sealing chicken pockets carefully and avoiding overstuffing.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before creating pockets to ensure better breadcrumb adhesion and crispier exterior.
- Swap feta for goat cheese or mozzarella to accommodate different taste preferences or dietary needs.
- For gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed almond flour or gluten-free panko.
- Add red pepper flakes to breadcrumb mixture for extra subtle heat and complexity.
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
- Allow chicken to rest after baking to help retain moisture and distribute flavors evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg