Golden brown Feta Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken sliced to reveal a creamy filling of feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, garnished with herbs and served alongside quinoa and roasted vegetables.

Tasty Feta Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken

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Feta Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken

Introduction

This Feta Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the tangy flavors of feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes with tender chicken. It’s perfect for a light dinner or a wholesome lunch, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare yet impressively delicious, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (use oil-packed for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Toothpicks (to secure the chicken)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. This will create space for the filling.

2. Make the Filling:

  • In a bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped spinach. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  • Season the filling with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

3. Stuff the Chicken:

  • Spoon the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
  • Use toothpicks to secure the opening and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

4. Season the Chicken:

  • Rub olive oil over the outside of the chicken breasts.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides for a flavorful crust.

5. Sear and Bake the Chicken:

  • Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest and Serve:

  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Carefully take out the toothpicks before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

  1. Add Spinach and Mozzarella: For an extra layer of flavor, mix shredded mozzarella into the filling. It melts beautifully and complements the feta and sun-dried tomatoes.
  2. Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausage: For a twist, try using spinach and feta chicken sausage as the filling base. Simply slice and stuff it into the chicken for an easy alternative.
  3. Bacon Spinach Stuffed Chicken: Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon before baking for a crispy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy filling.
  4. Lemon Zest for Freshness: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the dish.

Nutritional Benefits:

This stuffed chicken dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious:

  • Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full.
  • Feta Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, while adding a tangy flavor with fewer calories and fat than many other cheeses.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, sun-dried tomatoes enhance the dish with their intense, savory taste.
  • Spinach: Offers vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, which are essential for overall health.

Perfect Pairings:

  • Quinoa or Couscous: Serve this stuffed chicken over a bed of quinoa or couscous to soak up the flavorful juices and create a balanced meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken.
  • Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the stuffed chicken.

Final Thoughts:

This Feta Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe for those seeking a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. With its combination of tangy feta, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it’s a dish that delivers Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Whether you serve it for lunch or dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and create a dish that fits your taste perfectly!

A different option to try, Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts.

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