Your New Go-To Recipe: Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach
Hello, friends! Are you ready to impress your dinner guests (or just treat yourself) with a meal that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make? This rolled chicken with feta and spinach is just that! It’s packed with flavor, high in protein, and low in carbs—perfect for those moments when you want something healthy and delicious!
Nutritional Benefits You’ll Love
First up, let’s chat about the health benefits of this wonderful recipe. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in your body. Spinach, on the other hand, is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like iron. Feta cheese adds a delightful burst of flavor while also contributing calcium to your diet, helping to keep your bones strong. Overall, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body!
Delicious Variations You Can Explore
What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is! You can make it your own by trying out some of these variations:
- Herb Variations: If thyme isn’t your jam, feel free to use Italian herbs like basil or oregano. Fresh herbs can also add an extra layer of freshness!
- Cheese Options: Not a feta lover? Substitute with goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Additions: Want to sneak in more veggies? You could add roasted red peppers or artichokes to the filling for a different twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños in the spinach filling for a spicy version!
The Best Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for rolling)
Serves 4 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 5 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—ahh, the smell of garlic!
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it’s just wilted, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove it from heat and let it cool a bit.
- While that cools, grab a mixing bowl and combine the wilted spinach, crumbled feta, and softened cream cheese. Give it a good mix until everything is combined, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Next, let’s prep those chicken breasts! Place each one between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them out to about ½ inch thick with a meat mallet.
- Now, sprinkle a little salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides of the chicken breasts to add some flavor.
- Spoon a portion of the delicious spinach and feta mixture onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly but being careful to keep some space at the edges.
- Time to roll! Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Place the rolled chicken in a greased baking dish and surround it with halved cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and add a sprinkle of thyme if you have some left.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (you want that internal temperature to reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Don’t forget to take out the toothpicks or twine before you dive in!
Practical Tips to Enhance Your Meal
- For an easy clean-up, line your baking dish with parchment paper before placing the chicken inside.
- Leftovers? Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken!
Equipment Needed
Before you get cooking, grab the following items:
- A sharp knife for slicing ingredients
- A cutting board for easy prep
- A meat mallet for pounding the chicken
- A skillet for cooking the spinach
- A mixing bowl for combining the filling
- A baking dish to hold the rolled chicken
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolls
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing it into the cheese filling.
- Is it okay to prepare these in advance? Yes! You can prep the rolls and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- What can I serve this with? It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, quinoa, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll last for about 3 days.
- Can I freeze the chicken rolls? Yes, but I recommend freezing them before baking. Just wrap them well and store them for up to 3 months—thaw them in the fridge before cooking!
Last Thoughts
I really hope you give this rolled chicken with feta and spinach a try. Trust me, it’s going to wow anyone you serve it to! If you loved this recipe (or even if you didn’t), I’d love to hear about it! You can find me over on Pinterest where I share all sorts of delicious and easy recipes to make your cooking experience even more enjoyable. Happy cooking, friends!
