Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Mediterranean Delight

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Look no further! These Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a flavorful and healthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, these chicken breasts offer a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Bursting with Flavor:** The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, and herbs creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Chicken breast is a lean protein source, and the filling is packed with vitamins and minerals from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the filling with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, such as olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These stuffed chicken breasts look elegant and sophisticated, making them perfect for entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Optional: Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Equipment You’ll Need

* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing)
* Oven-safe baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts:

**1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:**

* Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
* Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to stuff.
* Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

**2. Make the Filling:**

* In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool slightly.
* In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, oregano, basil, and lemon juice.
* Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

**3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place each chicken breast on a clean cutting board.
* Spoon about 1/4 of the filling onto the center of each chicken breast.
* Fold the chicken breast over the filling, tucking in the sides to create a neat package.
* If necessary, secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

**4. Bake the Chicken Breasts:**

* Place the stuffed chicken breasts in an oven-safe baking dish.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* If the chicken breasts start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

**5. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
* This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.
* Serve the Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The flavor of this dish depends on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh herbs, good quality feta cheese, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the filling before stuffing the chicken breasts and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Get creative with the filling:** Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients. Some popular additions include olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and pine nuts.
* **Make ahead of time:** You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
* **Pounding the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking. It also helps to tenderize the chicken.
* **Draining Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Ensure you drain the sun-dried tomatoes well. Excess oil can make the filling greasy.
* **Letting the Chicken Rest:** Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t skip this step!

Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, mint, or parsley.
* **Protein:** You can also make this recipe with turkey breasts or pork tenderloin.
* **Dairy-Free:** Omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free alternative, or simply add more vegetables and herbs for flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Zest:** Adding lemon zest to the filling brightens the flavors.
* **Wine:** A splash of white wine while cooking the spinach can enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts are delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, are a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
* **Greek Salad:** A classic Greek salad is a refreshing and complementary side dish.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Rice pilaf is a simple and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the chicken.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and protein-rich side dish that’s perfect for a light meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side dish.
* **Lemon Potatoes:** Greek lemon potatoes are a tangy and flavorful side that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** Serve with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Prepare the Filling:** The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Stuff the Chicken Breasts:** The chicken breasts can be stuffed up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Baking:** When ready to bake, preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the chicken breasts are cold.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While technically possible, freezing stuffed chicken breasts is not recommended as the texture of the filling may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, approximate values)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 40-45g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Recipe Card

**Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts**

A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, and herbs.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool slightly.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, oregano, basil, and lemon juice.
6. Spoon filling onto the center of each chicken breast. Fold over and secure with toothpicks if needed.
7. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks.

**Enjoy!**

Conclusion

These Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen! Kali Orexi! (Bon appétit!)