This spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and hearty flavors. The chicken is filled with a luscious mixture of spinach, feta, and ricotta cheese, offering a burst of flavors with every bite. With a quick sear in a skillet and a short bake in the oven, this dish is a weeknight dinner winner.

Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spinach, feta, and ricotta creates a creamy, tangy filling that complements the juicy chicken breast perfectly. The seasoning is simple yet bold, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken while the searing and baking method ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

4 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling:

5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon dried dill

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice mix, rubbing it in to coat evenly.
In another bowl, mix together the thawed spinach, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, scallions, garlic, and dill until well combined.
Stuff the mixture evenly into the chicken pockets, using toothpicks to seal each chicken breast.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the skin.
Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add more veggies: Try adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the filling for extra flavor.
Different cheeses: Swap the ricotta or feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different take.
Stuff with mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the spinach and cheese mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Just sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture before adding to the filling mixture.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may require a bit more time to cook through.

What’s the best way to check if my chicken is cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I prevent the stuffing from spilling out?

Make sure to seal the chicken well with toothpicks, and be careful when searing not to move the chicken too much. Also, ensure the filling is not overstuffed.

Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Yes, you can grill the stuffed chicken! Just be sure to cook over indirect heat, flipping once, and check the internal temperature.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Feel free to add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or seasoning to add some heat.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Using an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness will help ensure that your chicken stays juicy.

Conclusion

This spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a combination of simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Whether served with a side of vegetables or over a bed of rice, this dish is sure to be a favorite in your dinner rotation!