– **Title**: Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced (optional for garnish)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach and crumbled feta. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
5. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through.
6. Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and feta mixture.
7. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
9. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
10. Optional: Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. If you’re looking for a chicken alternative, turkey cutlets work well too, or even thinly sliced pork for a different flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings creaminess and tang. If you need a dairy-free option, try a plant-based feta or goat cheese. Also, fresh mozzarella can provide a milder flavor if that’s what you prefer.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for its vibrant taste and texture. In winter, you can swap it for frozen spinach—just make sure to squeeze out excess water before mixing it in.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds richness. If you’re aiming for lighter options, you can replace it with Greek yogurt for creaminess without the added fat.
How Do You Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can feel a bit tricky, but it’s easier than you think! The goal here is to create a nice pocket without cutting through to the other side. Here’s how:
- Lay the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut along one side—aim for about 2/3 of the way through.
- Open the pocket gently and fill it with the spinach and feta mixture. Don’t overstuff, as it could spill out while cooking.
Taking your time with this part helps ensure you get a good seal. Enjoy a well-stuffed chicken with lots of delicious filling!
Easy Chicken Breast With Feta And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For The Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes total cooking time, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your oven will be hot and ready when it’s time to cook the chicken!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are nicely blended. This creamy filling is the star of the dish!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Make a horizontal cut along one side, but be gentle—don’t cut all the way through! This pocket will hold all that yummy filling.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the spinach and feta mixture and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket. Pack the filling in gently to make sure it stays inside while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they turn a lovely golden brown. This adds great flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now it’s time to finish cooking! Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep everything juicy. Slice the chicken and if you like, sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to thaw them first! The best way is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place the frozen chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Make sure to pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe to prevent excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or artichoke hearts to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely so they can fit nicely into the chicken pockets.
