Description
A delicious and flavorful rolled chicken breast stuffed with a savory mixture of feta cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken is seared to perfection for a golden crust and then baked to juicy tenderness. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing and filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly grease or line a baking dish and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh spinach, drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Add Italian seasoning or dried herbs if desired for extra flavor.
- Stuff and roll the chicken: Place a generous spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken breast tightly around the filling. Secure each roll with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and nicely caramelized. This step helps seal in juices and adds a beautiful color.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Carefully remove the toothpicks, slice if desired, and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add extra richness, but drain well to avoid sogginess.
- If you don’t have toothpicks, kitchen twine can be used to secure the chicken rolls.
- To save time, prepare the filling in advance and store in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all seasonings and additional ingredients are gluten free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean