Juicy Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

This Juicy Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful Mediterranean filling made of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. The result is a dish that’s vibrant, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The stuffing is perfectly complemented by the slight tanginess of the feta cheese, the savory richness of the olives, and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken breasts cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts by using a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. The pocket should be large enough to hold the filling, but not too deep that it cuts through the other side. Be cautious not to cut all the way through the breast.
3. Once the pockets are made, season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika. Rub the spices evenly on all sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Prepare the Mediterranean Stuffing

1. Sauté the spinach: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach using a paper towel.
2. Prepare the stuffing mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
   • The sautéed spinach
   • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
   • Chopped Kalamata olives
   • Crumbled or cubed feta cheese
   • Cream cheese (if using, for a creamy texture)
   • Fresh basil, fresh parsley, and garlic
   • Pine nuts (if using, for a bit of crunch)
   • Lemon zest for freshness and a citrusy flavor.
3. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste the stuffing and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit of extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

1. Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the Mediterranean filling. Use your hands or a spoon to pack the stuffing into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be sure not to overstuff, as it might make the chicken difficult to seal or cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
2. Secure the chicken breasts by using toothpicks to close the opening of each breast. This helps to keep the stuffing inside while cooking. Alternatively, you can tie the chicken breasts closed using kitchen twine, if preferred.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl the pan to coat the bottom.
2. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside. This step adds a crispy crust to the chicken and locks in the juices.
3. Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from heat. If you prefer, you can transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish at this point.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts into the preheated oven. If you used a baking dish instead of the skillet, place the chicken breasts in the dish.
2. Bake the stuffed chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked through, with the stuffing hot and bubbly.
3. If you like your chicken slightly crispier on top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken and keeps it tender and juicy.
2. Serve the juicy Mediterranean stuffed chicken breasts with your choice of sides. These are perfect with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, quinoa, or a simple Greek salad.
3. Optionally, drizzle some extra olive oil or lemon juice over the chicken before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast pairs well with many sides, such as:

1. Roasted Vegetables:

• A mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes would complement the flavors of the chicken nicely.
• Roasting vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme makes for a great, flavorful side.

2. Greek Salad:

• A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, will balance out the richness of the chicken.

3. Rice or Quinoa:

• Serve with a simple lemon herb rice or quinoa for a light, healthy, and fluffy side that complements the Mediterranean flavors.

4. Tzatziki Sauce:

• A dollop of tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon) on the side would add a cool and refreshing element to the dish.

Creative Variations

While the basic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, here are some ways you can mix things up to suit your taste:

1. Add More Protein:

• For an extra protein boost, you can add cooked chicken sausage or even ground turkey into the stuffing mixture for added texture and flavor.

2. Experiment with Different Cheeses:

• Instead of feta, you can try goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta for a different taste. Parmesan can also be added to the stuffing for more depth.

3. Spice It Up:

• If you prefer a spicier version, you can add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a kick. A touch of harissa paste can also add some North African flair.

4. Add More Veggies:

• You can add more vegetables to the stuffing to make it more nutrient-dense. Consider incorporating roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini into the filling for added texture and flavor.

5. Gluten-Free Options:

• If you prefer a gluten-free version, make sure that all ingredients, like the feta and sun-dried tomatoes, are certified gluten-free. You can also make your own gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely for a low-carb option.

Tips for Success

1. Choosing Chicken Breasts:
   • Ensure that the chicken breasts are not too thick; if they are, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1-inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and prevents the stuffing from being undercooked.
2. Stuffing Variations:
   • If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
3. Don’t Overstuff:
   • While it’s tempting to overstuff, be sure to leave a little room so that the chicken can cook through properly. Too much stuffing can cause the chicken to not cook evenly.
4. Internal Temperature:
   • Use a meat thermometer to check for the correct internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked but not dry.
5. Resting the Chicken:
   • Resting the chicken is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy bite every time.

Conclusion

This Juicy Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings Mediterranean ingredients together in a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. With its combination of juicy chicken, savory stuffing, and fresh herbs, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Yield: 4

Juicy Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Print

This Juicy Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful Mediterranean filling made of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. The result is a dish that’s vibrant, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The stuffing is perfectly complemented by the slight tanginess of the feta cheese, the savory richness of the olives, and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup spinach, fresh and chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast (be careful not to cut all the way through). This pocket will hold the filling.
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika (if using).
   
3. Prepare the Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, basil, and lemon zest (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.
   
4. Stuff the Chicken:
   Stuff each chicken breast with the Mediterranean filling mixture. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening of the chicken breasts to keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
   
5. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
   Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks if used.
   Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil or a drizzle of extra olive oil if desired.

Notes

• Alternative Fillings: If you want to switch things up, try adding artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or roasted garlic to the filling mixture.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance (up to the point of stuffing) and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking.
• Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, swap the feta cheese for a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it, using extra vegetables to enhance the stuffing.