Introduction
When I first discovered this Mediterranean-inspired stuffed chicken recipe, I knew I’d found a winner that would transform my weeknight dinner routine. I love how it takes just five simple ingredients to create something that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
You’ll be amazed at how this recipe elevates ordinary chicken breasts into an elegant meal that’s perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. The combination of fresh spinach and tangy feta creates incredible flavor, while the Greek yogurt sauce adds a creamy finishing touch that brings everything together. What I appreciate most is how it’s transformed my approach to cooking – proving that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to make something truly special.
Recipe
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken elevates simple chicken breasts into an elegant Mediterranean-inspired meal. The combination of fresh spinach and tangy feta creates a perfect flavor balance, while a creamy Greek yogurt sauce adds a luxurious finish.
This five-ingredient dish proves that creating impressive meals doesn’t require complex ingredients or techniques. The result is a protein-rich, low-carb dinner that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen while being surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle, keeping one edge intact. Mix spinach and feta cheese, then stuff each breast with the mixture. Secure with toothpicks. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook stuffed chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. While chicken cooks, spread Greek yogurt on serving plates. Remove toothpicks from chicken, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve over the yogurt sauce.
For best results, pound the butterflied chicken breasts to even thickness before stuffing. Pat spinach dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling. Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts, as this can cause the filling to leak during cooking. If chicken breasts are large, adjust cooking time accordingly, and consider using a meat thermometer to ascertain proper doneness. The yogurt sauce can be seasoned with salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance flavor.
Prep Time
This elegant stuffed chicken dish requires just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’ll spend about 5 minutes butterflying the chicken breasts and another 5 minutes mixing the spinach and feta filling. The final 5 minutes go toward assembling everything together.
Here’s a quick prep breakdown:
- Butterflying chicken breasts: 5 minutes
- Mixing spinach and feta: 5 minutes
- Stuffing and securing with toothpicks: 3 minutes
- Preparing yogurt sauce: 2 minutes
Trust me, once you’ve made this dish a couple of times, you’ll get even faster at the prep work. I’ve got it down to 10 minutes now, which means more time to enjoy a glass of wine while it cooks!
Equipment needed
After you’ve gathered your ingredients for the 15-minute prep, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to bring this dish together.
You’ll want to grab:
- A sharp knife for butterflying the chicken
- A large skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
- Wooden toothpicks for securing the stuffed chicken
- A mixing bowl for combining the spinach and feta
- Tongs for flipping the chicken
- A meat thermometer
- A cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving plates
I’d recommend laying out all your equipment before starting – it’ll make the cooking process smoother. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, don’t worry! You can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
Basic Cooking Method and Time
Once you’ve gathered your equipment, the basic cooking method takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. Start by butterflying your chicken breasts, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Mix your spinach and feta, then stuff each breast carefully and secure with toothpicks.
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and reaches 165°F internally. While the chicken’s cooking, spread that creamy Greek yogurt on each serving plate. After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes – trust me, this step’s important for keeping all those tasty juices inside. Remove the toothpicks, slice, and serve your chicken over the yogurt sauce.
Cooking Steps
Let’s break down the cooking steps into simple, manageable stages you’ll love. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Start by butterflying each chicken breast – just slice through the middle without cutting all the way through
- Mix your spinach and feta, then stuff each breast with the mixture
- Secure the stuffed breasts with toothpicks to keep the filling in place
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown
- While the chicken’s cooking, spread Greek yogurt on each serving plate
- Check that chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes
- Remove toothpicks, slice, and serve over the yogurt sauce
Step 1. Butterfly Chicken Breasts Carefully
Butterflying chicken breasts might seem tricky at first, but this essential technique will transform your stuffed chicken game. I’ve found that placing your hand flat on top of the chicken breast while slicing helps maintain steady control. Start by placing the chicken on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part.
Don’t cut all the way through – you’ll want to leave about half an inch connected, like opening a book. When you’re done, the chicken should lie flat and even. If one side is thicker than the other, you can gently pound it with a meat mallet until uniform. I always flip open the butterflied breast to check that it’ll hold the filling evenly before moving on to stuffing.
Step 2. Mix Filling Ingredients Together
With your butterflied chicken breast ready to go, preparing the filling is a breeze. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. I’ve found that tearing the spinach leaves into smaller pieces helps create a more manageable filling that won’t slip out during cooking.
Give the mixture a gentle toss with your hands – you’ll want the feta to distribute evenly throughout the spinach. Don’t worry if some of the cheese crumbles break down further; this actually helps the filling stick together better. If your spinach seems a bit wet, pat it with paper towels first – this’ll prevent your filling from becoming soggy. You’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture for each chicken breast, so divide it accordingly.
Step 3. Stuff and Secure Chicken Breasts
Place your prepared spinach and feta mixture onto one side of each butterflied chicken breast, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Gently fold the empty half over the filling, creating a pocket of delicious Mediterranean goodness. You’ll want to press down lightly along the edges to seal in all that flavor.
Now comes the important part – securing your stuffed chicken breasts. I’ve learned through trial and error that three toothpicks per breast, evenly spaced, work best to keep everything in place. Insert them at an angle, making sure they go through both layers of chicken. Think of it like closing a tiny sandwich – you want those edges properly secured so none of that tasty filling escapes during cooking.
Step 4. Heat and Sear Chicken
Grab your favorite large skillet and let it heat up over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once your pan’s hot enough (you’ll see the oil shimmer), carefully place your stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan.
Let the chicken sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the meat releases easily from the pan – don’t force it if it’s sticking. Keep an eye on the temperature; if the outside’s browning too quickly, lower the heat a bit. Use your meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part. Remember, patience is key here – good searing equals amazing flavor!
Step 5. Plate With Yogurt Sauce
Now’s the perfect time to make your yogurt sauce shine! Start by spreading a generous layer of Greek yogurt on each serving plate in a circular motion, creating an artistic swoop pattern if you’d like. I love how the pure white sauce creates a beautiful canvas for the golden-brown chicken.
Place your rested chicken breast at an angle on top of the yogurt sauce, letting those gorgeous spinach and feta bits peek out. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a touch of olive oil around the plate’s edges and sprinkle some crumbled feta on top. Trust me, this simple plating technique elevates the dish from homestyle to restaurant-worthy. The cool, tangy yogurt perfectly complements the warm, savory chicken – it’s a match made in Mediterranean heaven!
Customization Options
While this recipe is delicious as-is, I love helping home cooks make it their own with some creative swaps and additions. You can substitute goat cheese or ricotta for the feta if you prefer a milder taste. I’ve found that adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling brings an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
For the sauce, try mixing herbs like dill or mint into your Greek yogurt. You can also swap the spinach for other leafy greens – Swiss chard and kale work beautifully. When I’m craving more texture, I’ll add toasted pine nuts to the filling or sprinkle them over the finished dish. If you’re watching your calories, use reduced-fat feta and yogurt without compromising the dish’s delicious flavors.
Ingredients list (with precise measurements)
Having explored various ways to customize this dish, let’s pin down the exact measurements you’ll need for perfectly stuffed chicken. You’ll want to gather:
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 6-7 oz each)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
I’ve found these proportions create the ideal filling-to-chicken ratio that won’t overflow during cooking. Trust me, I learned the hard way that too much filling can turn your elegant dinner into a cheesy mess! The full-fat Greek yogurt makes for a richer sauce, but you can swap in low-fat if you’re watching calories – it’ll still be delicious.
Storage Information
Since you’ll likely have leftovers from this delicious meal, proper storage is key to maintaining its flavor and safety. You can store your stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but make sure it’s completely cooled before storing.
If you’d like to freeze portions for later, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, as microwaving can make the chicken rubbery. Store any leftover yogurt sauce separately, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Health Benefits or Special Features
As a nutritionist, I’m thrilled to share that this stuffed chicken recipe packs an impressive array of health benefits. You’ll get lean protein from the chicken breast, which helps build and maintain muscle mass, while the spinach provides iron, fiber, and essential vitamins. The feta cheese isn’t just tasty – it’s also rich in calcium and probiotics.
What I love most about this dish is how it combines protein with healthy fats from the olive oil and Greek yogurt, keeping you satisfied longer. The Greek yogurt sauce adds extra protein and beneficial bacteria for gut health. If you’re watching your carbs but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, you’ll appreciate that this recipe is naturally low-carb while still being incredibly satisfying and nutritious.
Prep Time
The wonderful health benefits of this dish get even better when you learn how quickly it comes together. You’ll need just 15 minutes to prep everything before cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Start by butterflying your chicken breasts – it’s easier than you think! Just slice them horizontally almost all the way through, then open them like a book. Mix your spinach and feta while you’re at it. The stuffing and securing with toothpicks takes about 5 minutes, tops. I love that you can even prep these earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Trust me, once you’ve done this a couple of times, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together.
Cook Time
Once your prep work is done, you’ll spend about 20 minutes total cooking these stuffed chicken breasts to perfection. Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. You’ll want to carefully place your stuffed chicken breasts in the pan, giving them enough space to cook evenly.
Each side needs about 6-7 minutes to develop that beautiful golden-brown crust you’re looking for. I always keep my meat thermometer handy to check when they hit 165°F – that’s your sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken. While they’re sizzling away, you can prepare your yogurt sauce on each serving plate. Remember to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing, which keeps all those tasty juices locked inside.
Total Time
From start to finish, you’ll need about 35 minutes to get this Mediterranean-inspired chicken on your table. That includes 15 minutes of prep time, where you’ll butterfly the chicken breasts and mix the spinach-feta filling, plus 20 minutes of cooking time on the stovetop.
Don’t worry if you’re new to stuffing chicken – this recipe is pretty forgiving. While your chicken is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare the yogurt sauce and maybe toss together a quick side salad. The actual hands-on time is minimal, which makes this dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. If you’re meal prepping, you can even butterfly and stuff the chicken ahead of time.
Yield
Planning portions is a breeze with this recipe, as it yields four generous servings – one stuffed chicken breast per person. You’ll find that each portion is quite filling, thanks to the protein-rich chicken and creamy feta-spinach stuffing. When I make this for my family, I’ve noticed that even bigger appetites are satisfied with a single breast, especially when paired with the Greek yogurt sauce.
If you’re serving fewer people, don’t worry – the leftovers hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. I often make the full recipe and save the extra portions for quick lunches. Just remember to reheat them gently to keep the chicken moist and the filling from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean-inspired stuffed chicken has become one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I’ve found that guests never guess how simple it really is to prepare, and I love watching their faces light up at the first bite. Trust me, you’ll appreciate how the tangy feta balances perfectly with the fresh spinach and creamy yogurt sauce.
Don’t be intimidated by the butterflying process – it gets easier with practice. I’ve learned that taking an extra minute to secure the filling with toothpicks is worth the effort. Remember, this dish is all about the combination of flavors, so feel free to adjust the feta and spinach ratios to your liking. It’s a recipe that’ll quickly become your own signature dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but you’ll need to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture first to prevent your stuffing from becoming too watery.
How Do I Prevent the Feta Cheese From Leaking During Cooking?
You can stop feta from leaking by mixing it with breadcrumbs, securing toothpicks tightly, and making a small pocket instead of butterflying the chicken completely through.
What Wine Pairs Best With This Mediterranean Chicken Dish?
Birds of a feather flock together, and you’ll find your dish soars with a crisp white wine. Try a Greek Assyrtiko or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the feta’s saltiness.
Can This Dish Be Prepared and Stuffed the Night Before Cooking?
You can prep and stuff your chicken breasts the night before. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerate overnight, and bring to room temperature before cooking.
Is It Possible to Grill This Chicken Instead of Pan-Searing?
You’ll find grilling works perfectly for this dish. Keep the grill at medium heat and cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching carefully so the filling doesn’t leak out.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this perfectly packaged poultry pairs Mediterranean magic with modern meal prep mastery. When savory spinach meets salty feta inside tender chicken, topped with creamy yogurt sauce, you’re creating restaurant-worthy results right in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this protein-packed dish proves that simple ingredients, smartly combined, can transform an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.
