If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant weeknight dinner that looks restaurant-fancy but comes together with little fuss, you’re going to fall in love with Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach. Imagine tender chicken breasts bursting with a creamy, tangy spinach and feta filling, seasoned with Mediterranean spices, and finished with a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a delicious, wholesome dish that never fails to impress—whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply treating yourself to something special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach lies in just how approachable and straightforward the ingredient list is. Every element is carefully chosen to maximize flavor and contrast, making each bite layered and satisfying without requiring a lengthy trip to the store or a gourmet pantry.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and ready to soak up all the bold flavors, these are the perfect canvas for the savory spinach-feta filling.
- Olive Oil: Lends a golden sear and a gentle richness that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse the whole dish with an aromatic depth you’ll notice from the first bite.
- Fresh Spinach: Bright and leafy, spinach cooks down to a tender, vitamin-rich bed for the creamy filling.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and making sure each ingredient shines.
- Dried Oregano: Brings that classic Mediterranean touch—herbaceous, fragrant, and oh-so-cozy.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a little color to the outside of the chicken breasts.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy, feta forms the star of the filling and creates a wonderfully melty texture.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese binds the spinach and feta together, lending a pleasant indulgent note.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash lifts the filling, and balances the richness with a perky citrus kick.
- Fresh Parsley: That final flourish of color and brightness that’ll make you want to snap a photo before you dig in.
How to Make Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that everything’s ready to go once you’ve assembled your stuffed chicken. Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, gently cut a pocket along the side, being careful not to cut through all the way. This pocket will hold your luscious spinach and feta filling, so make it roomy but keep it sealed on three sides.
Step 2: Make the Spinach-Feta Filling
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring often (about 30 seconds). Next, add the chopped fresh spinach and saute until just wilted—usually 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, and lemon juice. The cheeses will start to melt and mingle with the spinach, creating a creamy, zesty filling that’s just packed with flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing it evenly. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, you might need to gently press the filling in. If the pockets seem a bit stubborn about staying closed, secure them with a toothpick or two—this will keep everything tucked together as it bakes and prevent any cheesy goodness from leaking out.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Set the stuffed chicken breasts into a lightly greased baking dish. Brush them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. The seasonings form a savory crust that really wakes up the dish. Bake the stuffed breasts in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, let your Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach rest for a moment. Remove any toothpicks, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley, and get ready for the big reveal—the vibrant green and white filling peeking through each juicy cut. Serve warm for maximum comfort and delight!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley beautifully echoes the Mediterranean flavor profile and adds a fresh pop of color. A few lemon wedges on the side are a smart touch for guests who love an extra hit of citrus—they’ll brighten every forkful of creamy, cheesy chicken.
Side Dishes
The flavor-packed Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach is delicious alongside light, simple sides. Fluffy rice or herbed couscous work wonders as bases to soak up the juices. For a lower-carb option, roasted potatoes or a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad are excellent companions that bring even more color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice each stuffed chicken breast into medallions and fan them out on a platter, showing off that vibrant spinach and feta swirl inside. Drizzle a little olive oil and scatter extra feta crumbles on top for a stunning visual. Alternatively, serve whole breasts with a scattering of microgreens and a dusting of paprika to make your Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach truly look as glorious as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, simply transfer the chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days and is perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches—just be sure the chicken is cooled before storing to maintain peak freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach either before or after baking. For best results, freeze the uncooked, stuffed breasts individually, tightly wrapped in plastic and placed inside a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months; when you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. If freezing after baking, let the chicken cool fully, then wrap and store for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 325°F and place the chicken in a baking dish covered loosely with foil for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps prevent the filling from drying out. The microwave works too—just use short bursts to keep the cheese creamy and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen spinach very well before mixing it with the cheeses. This will help prevent excess water from seeping into the filling and keep your Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach nice and creamy.
What other cheeses can I use in the filling?
Feta is classic, but you can also experiment with goat cheese for a bit more tang or ricotta for extra creaminess. Feel free to mix in some shredded mozzarella for a stretchy pull if you like!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Your Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach is ready when the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear and the filling will be bubbly and hot.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Try using your favorite dairy-free cream cheese, and swap in a vegan feta alternative. You’ll still get a filling that’s creamy and bright without the dairy.
Is there a way to prepare Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach ahead for guests?
Definitely. You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then proceed with baking. This makes dinnertime a breeze and maximizes flavor without the last-minute hustle!
Final Thoughts
From the very first forkful, Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach just might become a staple in your kitchen—it’s simple enough for busy nights but carried by bold, feel-good flavors that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and discover just how effortless and delicious homemade Mediterranean-inspired meals can be!
Print
Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach recipe is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy spinach and feta mixture, then baked to perfection. A perfect option for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Spinach Mixture:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Sauté garlic and spinach, then mix with feta, cream cheese, and lemon juice. Stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach mixture.
- Bake Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, season, place in a baking dish, and bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley, remove toothpicks, and serve warm.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for extra flavor.
- Pair with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
