Description
What’s even more exciting is the endless potential for customization! Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients like artichokes or olives to create a unique twist that suits your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 8 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Optional Garnish & Sides:
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Extra chopped parsley, for garnish
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous (to serve on the side)
- Steamed vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, for an additional side
Suggested Variations:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted, to the stuffing mixture.
- If you prefer a creamier stuffing, a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta can be incorporated into the filling.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different taste profile.
- For an olive-free version, try adding artichoke hearts, chopped finely.
Notes:
Ensure that the chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking. You could use a meat mallet to pound the chicken down before stuffing for tender results.
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients for Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Start by collecting all necessary ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, olives, olive oil, and Italian herbs. Ensure you have salt and pepper for seasoning. - Prepare the stuffing mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of chopped spinach, half a cup of crumbled feta cheese, quarter cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a quarter cup of sliced olives. Stir to mix the ingredients thoroughly. - Add flavor to the stuffing
Minced two cloves of garlic and add them to the stuffing mixture. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian herbs along with salt and pepper to make the filling taste exceptional. Mix again until well-combined. - Prepare the chicken breasts
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take each chicken breast and place it on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to create a pocket by slicing horizontally into each breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through. - Stuff the chicken breasts
Fill each pocket with the prepared stuffing mixture. Aim for about one-quarter cup of the stuffing per chicken breast. Once filled, fold the chicken breast over to contain the stuffing. - Secure the stuffed chicken
Use toothpicks to secure the edges of each stuffed chicken breast, preventing the filling from leaking during cooking. This step is crucial for keeping all those delicious flavors inside. - Season the outside of the chicken
Drizzle each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, enhancing the flavor of the chicken itself. - Bake to perfection
Place the secured stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the tops. - Check for doneness and serve
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before removing it from the oven. Allow to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm, showcasing the colorful stuffing within.
Notes
To serve If you leave the stuffed chicken breasts whole, you can serve 4 people (this is a very generous serving). But I like to slice up the chicken breasts, which shows off the beautiful stuffing and also allows me to serve more people (6).
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 12minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 259.3kcal
- Fat: 1.9g
- Carbohydrates: 4.3g
- Protein: 24.2g
- Cholesterol: 66mg