Feta-stuffed Chicken

Feta-stuffed Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Feta-stuffed Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy feta cheese filling. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Feta-stuffed Chicken are not clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Greek flavors. Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine, known for its tangy and salty taste. By stuffing chicken breasts with feta cheese, this recipe creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Chicken with Spinach and Feta Cheese

0.25 cup of crumbled basil and tomato feta cheese
2 tbsp of cream cheese
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
0.5 tsp of black pepper
0.25 tsp of salt
1 tsp of olive oil
0.25 cup of chicken broth
10 oz (283 g) package of pre-washed fresh spinach, trimmed
2 tbsp of toasted pecan pieces
1 tbsp of lemon juice
halved lemon slices

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine feta cheese and cream cheese, then set aside.
Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit through the thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket.
Stuff the pockets with the cheese mixture.
If necessary, secure the openings with wooden toothpicks.
Sprinkle the chicken with pepper and salt.
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, turning once.
Remove the chicken from the skillet, then cover and keep warm.
Carefully add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil, then add half of the spinach.
Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Remove the spinach from the skillet, reserving the liquid in the pan.
Repeat with the remaining spinach.
Return all the spinach to the skillet.
Stir in the nuts and lemon juice.
To serve, divide the spinach mixture among 4 dinner plates.
Top with the chicken breasts and garnish with lemon slices.

Variations

Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the cheese filling for extra Mediterranean flair.
Grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking them in a skillet for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to secure the cheese filling in the chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent it from oozing out during cooking.

- Cooking the chicken in a nonstick skillet helps to prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve Feta-stuffed Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a grain like quinoa or couscous.

Cooking Techniques

Stuffing the chicken breasts with the cheese mixture creates a flavorful and moist filling.

- Cooking the spinach in the same skillet as the chicken adds extra flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

- Substitute baby spinach for the pre-washed fresh spinach.

- Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese filling and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Feta-stuffed Chicken on a platter with the spinach mixture underneath for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Feta-stuffed Chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is also a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Feta-stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Feta-stuffed Chicken contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Feta-stuffed Chicken contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Feta-stuffed Chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Feta-stuffed Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Feta-stuffed Chicken is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese, cream cheese) and nuts (pecan pieces).

Summary

Feta-stuffed Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Feta-stuffed Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy feta cheese filling and flavorful spinach. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

by the delicious combination of flavors and textures. It was a warm summer day and I was at a friend's house for a backyard barbecue. As I walked around the patio, I spotted a platter of beautifully grilled chicken breasts stuffed with feta cheese and herbs. The aroma was intoxicating and I couldn't resist asking my friend for the recipe.

She smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the instructions. It was a simple yet elegant dish that she learned from her Greek grandmother. The feta cheese added a creamy richness to the tender chicken, while the herbs and spices infused it with a burst of Mediterranean flavors. I knew I had to try making it at home.

When I got back to my kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients and carefully followed the steps. I marinated the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt. Then I carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuffed it with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. As I grilled the chicken on my barbecue, the smell wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When I finally took a bite of the feta-stuffed chicken, I was transported to a sunny Greek island. The flavors were bright and bold, with the tangy feta cheese balancing out the savory chicken perfectly. It was a dish that I knew would become a staple in my recipe repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this feta-stuffed chicken countless times for family and friends. Each time, it never fails to impress with its simple yet sophisticated flavors. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up even more.

One day, my own granddaughter came over to my house for dinner and I decided to make her favorite feta-stuffed chicken. As I showed her how to prepare the dish, I shared the story of how I first discovered it at that barbecue all those years ago.

She listened intently, her eyes wide with curiosity. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she helped me stuff the chicken breasts with feta cheese and herbs. As we sat down to eat, she took her first bite and her face lit up with joy.

"Grandma, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, her mouth full of tender chicken and creamy feta cheese. "I can't believe how delicious this is."

I smiled, feeling a sense of pride as I watched her enjoy the dish that had captured my heart so many years ago. It was a special moment, one that I knew would be etched in both of our memories for years to come.

As my granddaughter grew older, she too became a talented cook, experimenting with new recipes and flavors. She would often call me for advice or share her latest culinary creations with me. And every now and then, she would make the feta-stuffed chicken, a dish that had become a beloved family tradition.

I was thrilled to see her carry on the legacy of this recipe, passing it down to the next generation with her own unique twist. It was a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at the barbecue, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful recipes and stories that have enriched my life. The feta-stuffed chicken will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that cooking can bring. And I hope that my granddaughter will continue to share this recipe with her own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions for years to come.