– **Title**: Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Take the chicken breasts and make a pocket in each by slicing them horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture, ensuring they are well-filled.
6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. If desired, top with additional feta cheese and season with more salt and pepper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with lemon slices if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a healthy base. If you prefer, you can use thighs for extra flavor and moisture. Alternatively, turkey cutlets can work in a pinch!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is a must for this recipe. However, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing with the cheese.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy flavor, but you can swap it for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Keep in mind that each cheese will alter the taste slightly.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can leave it out or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can be a decent substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and paprika boost flavor, but feel free to experiment with thyme or Italian seasoning if you want variety!
How Do I Make Perfectly Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Getting the stuffing just right can be tricky. The key is to create pockets that hold the delicious filling without tearing the chicken apart. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by placing the chicken breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into the side.
- Cut carefully to create a pocket; aim to leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom to hold the filling.
- Take your time, and avoid cutting all the way through.
- Once stuffed, give a gentle press on the sides to keep the filling secure.
Don’t worry if some filling spills during cooking – it’s all going to be tasty! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook, including baking time. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful chicken dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your chicken once it’s prepared.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it smells nice. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, mix the wilted spinach, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese (if you’re using it), and dried oregano. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all until it’s well combined and looking delicious!
4. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Take your chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully make a pocket in each breast by cutting into the side; just be sure not to cut all the way through. This is where you’ll stuff the filling!
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Fill each chicken breast pocket with the feta and spinach mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly inside.
6. Season the Chicken:
Now, sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper on the outside of the chicken breasts. Rub the spices into the meat so they stick well.
7. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
8. Bake to Perfection:
After searing, transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
9. Final Touches:
Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious chicken breasts are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a side salad or your favorite side dish. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them properly first! The best way is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Remember to pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe to help achieve a nice sear.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy texture, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will change slightly, but they will all work well with spinach!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach and feta filling and stuff the chicken breasts a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight out of the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. If you find the chicken is a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist while reheating!
