Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its bright, bold flavors and wholesome ingredients like olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and olive oil. These ingredients, combined with lean chicken breasts, make for a well-balanced, protein-packed dish that is both hearty and nutritious. The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, particularly for heart health, and this stuffed chicken recipe brings all the best of Mediterranean flavors into one dish.

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

• Packed with Flavor: This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, thanks to the combination of feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Chicken breast is a lean protein, and the filling includes nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach and olives. It’s a well-rounded meal that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 45 minutes.
• Customizable: You can swap in your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, like adding artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers, to suit your taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mediterranean Filling

1. Sauté the spinach: In a medium-sized sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove the spinach from the pan and set it aside to cool.

   - Advertisement -

2. Prepare the other filling ingredients: While the spinach is cooling, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and garlic. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil. Stir well to combine. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes to the mixture. This filling should be creamy from the feta and slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

3. Set the filling aside: Once the filling is mixed, set it aside while you prepare the chicken breasts.

   - Advertisement -

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Prep the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through—leave a small section at the edge so the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can butterfly them to create a wider pocket for more filling.

2. Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika (if using). The seasonings will enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the Mediterranean filling.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Stuff the chicken breasts: Take a generous spoonful of the Mediterranean filling and stuff it inside the pocket of each chicken breast. Don’t overstuff, as you want to make sure the chicken can close properly. If the pocket is too full, it might be difficult to secure the chicken.

2. Secure the chicken: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the pocket and hold the filling inside the chicken. This step ensures that the filling stays in place as the chicken cooks. Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken on each side for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. This step gives the chicken a nice crispy exterior.

2. Baste the chicken (optional): While searing the chicken, you can prepare a basting sauce to brush over the chicken for extra flavor. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, and honey (if using). Once the chicken is seared on both sides, brush some of this basting sauce over the top of the chicken to add flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Finish the Chicken in the Oven

1. Preheat the oven: While the chicken is searing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Transfer to the oven: After searing the chicken, transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be cooked through and the juices should run clear.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

1. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it tender and moist.

2. Remove toothpicks: Be sure to remove any toothpicks or kitchen twine used to secure the chicken before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on serving plates. If desired, drizzle with extra olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.

3. Enjoy! This Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. The stuffing gives the chicken a delightful creamy, savory flavor, and the seasoning ensures that every bite is packed with Mediterranean goodness.

Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

1. Choosing the right chicken: If you prefer juicier chicken, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easier to work with and will cook more quickly.

2. Don’t overstuff: When filling the chicken breasts, be sure not to overstuff them. This can make it difficult to close the chicken and may cause the filling to spill out during cooking.

3. Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano provide a bright and aromatic flavor that really enhances the Mediterranean filling. Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but fresh herbs will make the dish more vibrant.

4. Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the filling, such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini. This will add texture and increase the nutritional content of the dish.

5. Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing or drizzle the chicken with a spicy harissa sauce for an extra kick.

6. Serve with sides: Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with couscous, quinoa, roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

7. Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make the stuffed chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken is a fantastic, flavorful dish that brings all the delicious tastes of the Mediterranean into one satisfying meal. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a savory, creamy filling is a perfect match, and the dish is both healthy and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to savor the delightful Mediterranean flavors that make this recipe so special.

Yield: 2

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Print

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its bright, bold flavors and wholesome ingredients like olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and olive oil. These ingredients, combined with lean chicken breasts, make for a well-balanced, protein-packed dish that is both hearty and nutritious. The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, particularly for heart health, and this stuffed chicken recipe brings all the best of Mediterranean flavors into one dish.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure the chicken)

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 the side of each chicken breast (be careful not to cut all the way through). Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
3. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Stir until well mixed. Optionally, add a little lemon juice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
4. Stuff the Chicken: Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the Mediterranean mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken: Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
7. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Slice or serve whole with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a Greek salad.

Notes

Chicken Variations: You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, though they may need slightly longer cooking time.

Make It Dairy-Free: If you're dairy-free, you can omit the feta and substitute with a dairy-free cheese or leave it out entirely. The olives and sun-dried tomatoes still pack plenty of flavor.

Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions: This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad with a lemon-olive oil dressing.