Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Greek Stuffed Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of vibrant Greek ingredients. Packed with spinach, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish brings the fresh, bold flavors of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece for a special occasion. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also boasts a wealth of flavors that are both savory and tangy.

Greek Stuffed Chicken is a dish that allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of Greek cuisine in a simple and elegant way. The stuffing, made with spinach, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, delivers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh Greek salad.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. You can prepare it for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or even serve it at a dinner party. It’s easy to prepare, but the combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors will make it seem like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through—just enough to create a space for the stuffing. This will help keep the stuffing inside while cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This ensures that the chicken itself has plenty of flavor.

Making the Stuffing

4. Sauté the Spinach: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and lemon juice. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.

Stuffing the Chicken

6. Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Take the spinach and feta mixture and stuff it into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be sure not to overstuff, as it may be difficult to seal the chicken. Use your hands or a spoon to gently push the stuffing inside.
7. Secure the Chicken: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the opening of the chicken breast, securing the stuffing inside. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Searing and Baking

8. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
9. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown. This step creates a nice crust and locks in the juices, giving the chicken extra flavor.
10. Transfer to the Oven: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
11. Rest the Chicken: After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures that the chicken remains juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Stuffed Chicken is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal:

1. Greek Salad: A simple salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing complements the flavors of the chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions are a great accompaniment. You can also try roasted potatoes for a heartier side.
3. Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken with a fragrant rice pilaf made with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
4. Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread can be used to scoop up any remaining stuffing or as a delicious side for dipping.
5. Tzatziki Sauce: For extra flavor, serve the chicken with a side of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheese Variations: While feta cheese is traditional, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
2. Add More Veggies: You can mix in additional vegetables like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
3. Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing mix or seasoning the chicken with chili powder or paprika.
4. Use Chicken Thighs: For a more flavorful and tender cut of meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
5. Grilled Version: Instead of baking the stuffed chicken, grill it on medium heat until fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes per side, for a smoky flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overstuff: Be sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. A little stuffing goes a long way!
2. Secure Well: Ensure that the pockets are properly sealed with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This prevents the filling from leaking out while cooking.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. 165°F (74°C) is the magic number.
4. Let the Chicken Rest: Resting the chicken for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy result.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken breasts before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

Greek Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite. Whether you are preparing it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, the combination of spinach, feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a vibrant filling that complements the tender chicken perfectly. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal that’s packed with Greek-inspired flavors. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you have a meal that is both nourishing and incredibly tasty.

Yield: 4

Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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Greek Stuffed Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of vibrant Greek ingredients. Packed with spinach, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish brings the fresh, bold flavors of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece for a special occasion. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also boasts a wealth of flavors that are both savory and tangy.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
   
2. Make the Filling:
   In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and chopped spinach. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
   
3. Stuff the Chicken:
   Stuff each chicken breast with the feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four pieces of chicken. Secure the opening of the chicken with toothpicks if necessary.
   
4. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
   
5. Serve:
   Remove the toothpicks and transfer the chicken to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
   Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad.

Notes

• Make It Saucy: For added flavor, drizzle with tzatziki sauce or a balsamic glaze before serving.
• Flavor Variations: You can add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or cucumbers to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.