Description
This Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach, feta, ricotta, scallions, and herbs. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and other spices, seared to a golden brown in an oven-safe skillet, and finished baking in the oven for a delicious and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Stuffing
- 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons scallions (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Carefully make a horizontal slit through the thickest part of each chicken breast creating a pocket, but do not cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly on both sides of each chicken breast using your hands.
- Make the stuffing and stuff the chicken: In another bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, chopped scallions, minced garlic, and dried dill. Evenly divide and stuff this mixture inside each chicken breast pocket. Secure the openings using toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden brown.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional broiling: If desired, broil the chicken in the oven for 1-2 minutes more to brown the outer skin for extra crispiness.
Notes
- Make sure the spinach is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the stuffing.
- The toothpicks help keep the stuffing inside, but remove them carefully before serving.
- The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute fresh spinach if preferred; just cook and drain it well before using.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
