Delicious Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Serving Size: 4 servings Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Stuffed chicken breasts are a classic dish, simple yet elegant. A combination of spinach and feta cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritional boost to each bite. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a light and healthy meal without sacrificing on taste. If you're trying to find a new way to serve your chicken breasts or want to try something different from the usual, this dish is definitely worth considering.

Spinach and feta are great together as they bring out each other's flavors in a delightful way. Feta cheese’s salty tang contrasts beautifully with the mild yet slightly bitter taste of spinach. The mixture of these ingredients creates an amazing stuffing that pairs excellently well with the tender, juicy chicken breasts.

Ingredients for this dish include boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4), fresh spinach leaves, crumbled feta cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice. The process to make these stuffed chicken breasts is straightforward: simply marinate your chicken breasts with the herbs, then stuff them with the spinach and feta mixture, bake until tender.

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Clean the chicken breasts under cold running water. Pat dry with a paper towel and place on a plate or baking tray.
2. In a bowl, combine fresh spinach leaves, crumbled feta cheese (about 1/4 cup), finely chopped garlic cloves (2-3 cloves), salt to taste, pepper for flavor, and a dash of lemon juice. Mix well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, make a slit along one side lengthwise but not fully through to divide each breast into two pieces.
4. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of spinach and feta filling mixture on half of each chicken breast. Fold over to enclose and press down gently so that stuffing remains inside.
5. Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per breast), ensuring even coverage.

To proceed with cooking, preheat your oven to approximately 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven until fully cooked; this should take around 25-30 minutes depending on their thickness.

Check if they are done by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of one breast; it should register at least 165°F (74°C). If not, continue baking for another 5 minutes and check again. Once cooked through, remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

The stuffed chicken breasts can be enjoyed hot straight out of the oven or chilled as leftovers. To serve, you may garnish with additional feta cheese if desired, which will add extra flavor. Accompany these with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

For added variety, consider experimenting with different fillings like mushrooms and onions, or even adding a touch of cream for a richer texture. You could also try using other types of cheese such as mozzarella instead of feta depending on what you have available at home.

Tips & Tricks:

Ensure that your spinach is thoroughly cleaned before use to avoid any sand or dirt in your dish. If preferred, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen ones if you're short on time – just thaw them properly beforehand so they mix smoothly into the stuffing mixture.

If you find yourself looking for alternatives due to dietary restrictions or preferences, consider substituting leaner protein sources like turkey breasts instead of chicken. The recipe itself remains adaptable based upon your needs and tastes!