Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast: Elegant Yet Simple Healthy Dinner

Welcome to Healthy Dish Daily! Today, we're unveiling a truly elegant yet incredibly simple recipe: Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast. This dish is perfect for a weeknight family meal or a sophisticated dinner party, offering a delicious and wholesome alternative to heavier options. It's designed to be a healthy main course that significantly reduces fat/oil compared to traditional methods, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking nutritious and flavorful meals.

Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

An elegant yet simple healthy dinner, perfect for a weeknight family meal or a sophisticated dinner party. This dish offers a delicious and wholesome alternative to heavier options, significantly reducing fat/oil compared to traditional methods.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Servings: 4Course: Main CourseCuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
5 oz fresh spinach
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Combine spinach, feta, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well.
Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then open like a book.
Divide the spinach and feta mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Spoon onto one half, then fold the other half over.
Secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks if necessary. Season outside with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges or parsley if desired.

Beautifully plated spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast, golden brown, sliced to show creamy green filling, garnished with fresh parsley on a light ceramic plate with a side of roasted asparagus, natural warm lighting, 45-degree angle, professional food photography.

Why You'll Love This Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

✓ Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich spinach.
✓ Flavorful & Satisfying: The savory feta and spinach create a delightful contrast with tender chicken.
✓ Elegant Presentation: Impress your guests with minimal effort; it looks far more complex than it is!
✓ Quick Prep Time: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
✓ Versatile: Easily pairs with a variety of side dishes, from grains to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients for Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients for spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast neatly arranged on a white marble countertop: boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a lemon wedge. Overhead flat lay, bright natural light.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base, butterflied for stuffing.
5 oz fresh spinach: Adds essential nutrients and a tender texture to the filling.
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled: Provides a tangy, salty, and creamy element to the stuffing.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a pungent kick to the filling.
1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken, contributing to a golden-brown crust and flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano: Enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile of the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A bright, fresh finish that complements the rich flavors.

How to Make Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy dinner that will impress everyone at the table.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
3. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, leaving one side attached. Open them up like a book, then gently pound them to an even thickness if needed.

Chef's hands butterflying a raw chicken breast on a cutting board with a sharp knife, showing the chicken being carefully opened like a book. Stainless steel countertop, bright kitchen lighting, close-up shot, focus on the action.

4. Divide the spinach and feta mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Spoon the mixture onto one half of each butterflied breast, then fold the other half over to enclose the filling.
5. Secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks if necessary, to keep the filling inside during cooking. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper.

Four-panel collage showing sequential steps: 1. Mixing spinach and feta in a bowl. 2. Spooning stuffing into butterflied chicken. 3. Folding chicken over the filling. 4. Securing chicken with toothpicks on a cutting board. Overhead view, professional food photography style, consistent soft lighting.

6. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges or parsley if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

Pound Evenly: If your chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness after butterflying. This ensures even cooking and easier rolling/stuffing.
Don't Overstuff: While tempting, overfilling can cause the chicken to burst during cooking. Use a reasonable amount of filling that can be easily enclosed.
Secure Properly: Use 2-3 toothpicks per breast to securely hold the stuffing in place. Remember to remove them before serving!
Resting is Key: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your stuffed chicken! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or chopped roasted red peppers to the spinach and feta mixture for an extra burst of flavor. For a creamy twist, mix a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone into the filling. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme to alter the aromatic profile. For another delicious chicken recipe, check out our Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies.

How to Serve Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken

This elegant dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, roasted root vegetables, quinoa, or a simple orzo pasta. For a different, equally healthy option, consider serving it with Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors even further.

Final plated dish of spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast, perfectly golden, resting on a bed of fluffy quinoa, with a side of vibrant steamed green beans. Garnished with fresh lemon slices and dill sprigs. Elegant dinner table setting, soft focus background, professional food styling.

How Long to Cook Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

After searing for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat, bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 18-22 minutes. The most accurate way to check for doneness is using an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

Is Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe from Healthy Dish Daily is a fantastic healthy dinner option. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, and spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and Vitamin K. Feta cheese, used in moderation, adds flavor without excessive calories, making this a balanced and nutritious meal perfect for your wellness journey. For more healthy and flavorful options, check out our Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Chickpeas or our Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus.