Quick Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe

When you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal that’s both quick and easy, Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach is the perfect solution. This dish is packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken breast, creamy feta cheese, and fresh spinach come together in a way that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its savory flavors and simple preparation.

In this recipe, we focus on the marriage of vibrant, fresh spinach with the richness of feta cheese, topped off with perfectly cooked chicken breast. The combination of ingredients brings a balance of textures and flavors that are comforting yet light. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that makes cleanup a breeze.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by preparing your chicken breasts for cooking. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and absorb the seasoning.

1. Trim the chicken breasts: If the chicken breasts have any excess fat, remove it with a sharp knife. You may also want to butterfly the chicken breasts (cut them in half horizontally) to ensure they cook more evenly and quickly. This step is optional but can help speed up cooking.

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2. Season the chicken: On a cutting board or plate, sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Rub the seasoning into both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure they’re evenly coated.

3. Set aside: Let the chicken breasts rest while you prepare the skillet and other ingredients. This gives the seasoning a few minutes to absorb into the meat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Breasts

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering, but not smoking.

2. Cook the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Sear them for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a nice golden-brown crust on the outside, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

   • If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can reduce the heat to medium and cook them a little longer, covering the pan with a lid to help them cook through.

3. Remove and set aside: Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the spinach and feta mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Feta and Spinach Mixture

1. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring as you go. Spinach wilts quickly, so once one batch has wilted, add more until all the spinach is cooked down. This should take about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add feta and season: Once the spinach is wilted, reduce the heat to low and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano (or thyme), and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if using. Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water to add a little moisture and help create a light sauce. Stir everything together until the feta begins to soften and blend with the spinach.

4. Season with salt and pepper: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the pan: Once the feta and spinach mixture is ready, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle the chicken into the spinach and feta mixture, spooning some of the mixture over the top of the chicken.

2. Simmer for a few minutes: Let the chicken cook in the pan for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb some of the feta-spinach mixture. The chicken should stay juicy and flavorful while the feta softens further.

3. Check the temperature: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken and ensure the juices run clear with no pinkness.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the chicken: Serve the chicken breasts by spooning the feta and spinach mixture over the top. You can garnish with extra feta, fresh herbs (such as thyme or basil), or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

2. Add sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a light couscous salad.

3. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy a healthy, balanced, and delicious meal that’s both filling and packed with nutrients!

Tips for Success:

1. Chicken Breast Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider butterflying them to ensure they cook evenly. Alternatively, you can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will help the chicken cook faster and more uniformly.

2. Moisture in the Spinach: If you want to make the spinach and feta mixture more saucy, add a bit more chicken broth or even a splash of white wine. This will help create a sauce that can be spooned over the chicken and sides.

3. Substitute for Feta: While feta adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.

4. Add Protein and Veggies: If you’d like to boost the nutritional content, consider adding some other vegetables to the spinach mixture, such as roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

5. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy some heat, try adding chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or the spinach mixture for an extra kick.

6. Meal Prep: This recipe works great for meal prepping. You can store the chicken breasts and spinach mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Variations:

1. Greek Chicken: For an even more Mediterranean twist, add a few Kalamata olives to the spinach mixture. This will bring a salty, briny element that complements the feta perfectly.

2. Tomato and Basil: Add some cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes to the spinach mixture for a burst of freshness. Fresh basil or oregano can be stirred in as well to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.

3. Balsamic Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the finished chicken before serving. This will add depth of flavor and a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the feta.

Conclusion:

This Quick Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious meal. With tender chicken breasts, a rich spinach and feta mixture, and just the right amount of seasoning, it’s a meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking to eat more nutritious meals, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Yield: 2

Quick Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe

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When you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal that's both quick and easy, Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach is the perfect solution. This dish is packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken breast, creamy feta cheese, and fresh spinach come together in a way that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its savory flavors and simple preparation.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
   
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
   
3. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Combine Feta and Chicken: Lower the heat to medium. Add the crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) to the spinach mixture. Stir until the feta slightly softens, creating a creamy consistency. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the spinach and feta mixture over the chicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
   
5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired and serve immediately. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

Additions: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.

Make it Dairy-Free: If you need to avoid dairy, try using dairy-free cheese or simply skip the feta for a lighter dish.