Sunkissed Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast
Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast
Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen? Me too! This Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is just the ticket.
Honestly, the feta stuffed chicken is something else. It is packed with flavour and it's surprisingly easy to make.
A Taste of the Med
This dish takes inspiration from the sunny shores of Greece and Italy. We're talking vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. It's easy stuffed chicken recipe , perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under an hour.
This recipe makes four servings. So, plenty for the family or some yummy leftovers for lunch.
Why You'll Love This Chicken
This stuffed chicken healthy option is packed with protein and goodness. It's a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet.
It’s ideal for a Chicken Breast Lunch or a light evening meal. What makes this Stuffed Mediterranean Chicken special? The combination of salty feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and briny olives it's a flavour explosion.
Did you know the Mediterranean diet has been linked to heart health?
Get Ready to Stuff!
Time to gather your ingredients for this delicious Stuffed Chicken Recipe . You'll need chicken breasts, spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a few other bits and bobs.
Don't worry; I'll walk you through it. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast , you'll be making it again and again.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this crazy delicious Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward.
This Stuffed Chicken Healthy recipe is a total game changer for that boring old Chicken Breast Lunch .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
So, here’s the lowdown. Get ready for some seriously tasty Stuffed Mediterranean Chicken !
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each): Look for plump, pink breasts. Avoid any that seem slimy or discolored. Fresh is always best, you know?
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ( 5 ml )
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ( 2.5 ml )
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To your liking!
And for the incredible Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped ( 30g ): Baby spinach is perfect and easy to chop.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped ( 75g ): The oil-packed ones are key. They’re so much juicier!
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped ( 75g ): These give it that real Mediterranean zing!
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 2 oz / 60g ): Go for a good quality feta. It makes a difference! This makes for a delicious Feta Stuffed Chicken or Spinach and Feta Chicken .
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ( 5g )
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs ( 25g )
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): If you want a little kick.
Seasoning Notes
Oregano and garlic powder are the MVP's for that classic Mediterranean Chicken Recipe taste. The sun-dried tomatoes and olives also pack a flavorful punch.
Don't have oregano? Thyme or marjoram will do in a pinch. If you are short on Sun-dried tomatoes and oil-packed, use some tomato paste.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this Stuffed Chicken Recipe . Just the basics!
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Small bowl
- Large skillet (oven safe preferred, or transfer to a baking dish): A cast iron skillet works wonders, but anything oven safe is great.
- Meat thermometer: Absolutely essential to check it´s safely cooked.
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
If you don't have an oven safe skillet, no worries! Just transfer the breasts to a baking dish after searing. Honestly, this Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is so forgiving.
You can really make it your own. This Easy Stuffed Chicken Recipe will soon be your go-to.
Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast : It's Greek to Me!
Honestly, who doesn’t love the taste of sunshine? This Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is seriously like a holiday on a plate.
We're talking vibrant flavors, juicy chicken, and minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, or a fancy weekend lunch. Let’s get started!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let’s get organized. Chop 1 cup of fresh spinach, drain and chop 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and pit and chop 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic and crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese (about 2 oz / 60g). Got it? Great! This little bit of prep now saves a mountain of stress later.
And please , wash your hands before you start touching raw chicken. Safety first, folks!
Stuffed Chicken Healthy : Your step-by-step Guide to Deliciousness
This Stuffed Mediterranean Chicken recipe is easier than finding parking on a Saturday, I promise.
- Butterfly 4 chicken breasts. Slice 'em horizontally, almost all the way through. Open like a book.
- Season with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté 1 cup of chopped spinach and 2 minced cloves of garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the spinach wilts.
- Mix spinach, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup parsley, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture. Fold it over and secure with toothpicks, if needed.
- Sear in the same skillet for about 2- 3 minutes per side for better flavour.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks.
Easy Stuffed Chicken Recipe : Secret Chef-y Tips
Want to take your Feta Stuffed Chicken game to the next level? Sear the chicken before baking trust me, it adds a layer of flavour.
Watch out for overfilling the chicken breasts! That filling will spill out and make a mess. Also, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes they're juicier and tastier.
And, if you want to get ahead, you can prep the filling the day before. So, there you have it, a super simple Stuffed Chicken Recipe that’s bound to impress!
Alright, let’s talk about making this Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast work for you . Honestly, this recipe is pretty flexible. Think of it as a starting point for your culinary adventure! It's all about the personal touch.
Recipe Notes: Make It Your Own!
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Pairings
Presentation matters, right? I like to slice the Stuffed Chicken Healthy and arrange it on a plate with a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Maybe a sprig of parsley for a bit of colour.
For sides, consider a fresh Greek salad. Alternatively, roast some Mediterranean veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. They complement the Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast perfectly! A simple lemon herb couscous also works wonders.
As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a sparkling water with lemon is a shout.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!
Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigerate the cooked Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast in an airtight container. It’ll keep for 3-4 days .
Freezing is also an option. Wrap each piece individually in cling film, then pop them into a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months .
When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste
Want to mix things up? Try a lemon herb version. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of dried thyme to the filling.
This gives the Stuffed Mediterranean Chicken a zesty kick.
Got dietary needs? No problem! For a dairy-free option, simply skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also swap the spinach for kale.
Play around with the herbs and spices too. I also have made this recipe with a Feta Stuffed Chicken that substitutes spinach for kale.
It is amazing.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is packed with goodness. Each serving clocks in around 350 calories. You're getting a whopping 40g of protein, which is brilliant for keeping you full.
Plus, you are getting healthy fats from the olive oil and feta.
The Spinach and Feta Chicken also delivers vitamins and minerals from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It's a much healthier Chicken Breast Lunch option.
One thing that I realized while cooking this is that Easy Stuffed Chicken Recipe is full of the Mediterranean diet benefits.
Honestly, this Stuffed Chicken Recipe is a winner. It’s healthy, flavourful, and easy to adapt. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Trust me; you've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to butterfly a chicken breast for this Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe? I always seem to make a mess!
No worries, butterflying can be a bit tricky at first! Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, and with a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part, almost all the way through, but not quite. Then, open it up like a book.
Pounding it lightly with a meat mallet beforehand can also help create an even thickness and more manageable "pages". It's like spreading out the pages of a good novel you want it even, so you can savor every part of it!
Can I make the Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast ahead of time? I'm a busy bee during the week!
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply pop them in the oven as directed.
Just give them an extra few minutes of cooking time to ensure they are heated all the way through - safety first!
I'm not a huge fan of feta cheese. What else can I use in my Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Good on you for questioning it and making the dish your own! If feta isn't your thing, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or ricotta cheese for a milder, creamier option. A dairy-free feta alternative will also work well.
You could even skip the cheese altogether and focus on the other Mediterranean flavors the sun-dried tomatoes and olives will still pack a punch!
How do I store leftovers of the Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast, and how long will they last?
Leftovers are brilliant for lunch the next day! Store the cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before refrigerating. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or skillet.
I am telling you from experience, they're brilliant sliced on top of a green salad.
Can I freeze the Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast either before or after cooking?
You sure can! Freezing uncooked chicken breasts is a great way to get ahead of the game. Assemble as per usual and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then foil or a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before cooking.
Cooked chicken breasts can also be frozen but may be slightly drier when reheated. Make sure they are fully cooled first!
I’m watching my carbs. How can I make this Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe healthier?
That's a great question! You can easily lower the carbs in this recipe by omitting the breadcrumbs from the filling or substituting them with almond flour or a tablespoon of grated parmesan.
Be mindful of the oil content in the sun-dried tomatoes (use sparingly), and pair the chicken with a side of non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or a fresh salad. Also ensure that there is no sugar added to the sun dried tomatoes.
Sunkissed Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0g |
