This stuffed chicken recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to deliver.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Table of Contents
Stuffed chicken recipes are a staple in my kitchen when I’m looking to create something elegant yet approachable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This Mediterranean-inspired stuffed chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a savory filling of mushrooms, spinach, and crumbled feta, all enhanced with fresh herbs like thyme and mint. To top it off, the dish is finished with a bright, tangy lemon sauce that adds the perfect balance of flavor.
This recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s a balanced meal packed with protein from the chicken and plenty of vegetables, making it perfect for your weekly meal plan. Plus, it’s versatile! You can have fun experimenting with different fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, or even artichokes to keep things exciting.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and wholesome meals, this stuffed chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, visually impressive, and perfect for family dinners and entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Flavorful Filling: A delicious mix of earthy mushrooms, creamy feta, and fresh spinach, enhanced with thyme and mint.
- Easy Yet Impressive: The stuffed presentation looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite herbs or cheeses to make this dish your own.
- Perfect Pairings: Pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a light Mediterranean salad.
Ingredients for the Best Stuffed Chicken
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and balanced meal:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, perfectly tender and juicy when stuffed and baked.
- Mushrooms & Spinach: Add a savory, earthy flavor and are loaded with nutrients.
- Feta Cheese: Brings a tangy, creamy element that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean spices.
- Herbs: Thyme, mint, and oregano bring fresh, aromatic notes.
- Lemon Sauce: A bright, zesty finish that complements the savory filling and chicken.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
- Cut the Pockets with Care: Be gentle when creating the pockets in the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through. A sharp knife works best!
- Secure the Filling: Overfill slightly, and use toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
- Golden Perfection: Sear the chicken before baking to lock in the juices and add a beautiful golden crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for the juiciest results.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and cook just before serving.
- Make It Dairy-Free: To make this stuffed chicken recipe completely dairy-free, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or skip it altogether. You can use a dairy-free cream cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to achieve a creamy, tangy flavor. For the lemon sauce, swap the butter with olive oil for the same rich, silky finish.
Delicious Variations for Stuffing
One of the best things about stuffed chicken is how versatile it is! You can easily swap out ingredients to create new flavors or cater to different dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire your next variation:
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Substitute feta with goat cheese, cream cheese, or shredded mozzarella for a creamier filling.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Mediterranean Olive Medley: Include chopped Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers for a briny, flavorful kick.
- Spinach & Ricotta: Combine wilted spinach with ricotta cheese for a soft, creamy filling that pairs well with any sauce.
- Artichoke Hearts & Lemon: Add chopped artichoke hearts, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a tangy, refreshing option.
- Nutty & Sweet: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries to the filling for a crunchy, sweet contrast.
What to Serve with Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a Mediterranean touch, serve it alongside a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, which bring a smoky, caramelized flavor. Light and fluffy grains like couscous or quinoa are perfect for soaking up the tangy lemon sauce, adding a hearty base to the dish. For a fresh and vibrant addition, try a Mediterranean salad made with crisp greens, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Stuffed chicken breast stores well, making it a great meal-prep option.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. To keep it moist, drizzle a little extra lemon sauce over the top before reheating.
Preparation
Prepare the Chicken:
Make the Filling:
Add the spinach and cook until wilted about 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the feta cheese and fresh mint, stirring to combine. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly before using as the filling.
Stuff the Chicken
Cook the Chicken:
Make the Lemon Sauce:
Garnish with extra mint and serve with your favorite sides.
Juicy stuffed chicken breast with savory spinach and mushroom filling—easy, delicious, and perfect for any meal!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 4 large chicken breasts | |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano | |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
For the Filling:
| 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing) | |
| 2 shallots, finely diced | |
| 4 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button) | |
| 4 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme) | |
| 6 cups spinach, roughly chopped | |
| ⅔ cup feta cheese, crumbled | |
| 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (plus more for garnish) | |
For the Lemon Sauce:
| 2 tablespoons unsalted butter | |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 1 cup chicken broth | |
| 2 lemons (juice and zest) | |
| 2 tablespoons capers, chopped (optional) |
Extras:
| Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure the chicken) |
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly each chicken breast by carefully slicing it horizontally without cutting it through, then open it like a book. Season the chicken thoroughly on both the inside and outside with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and mushrooms, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted about 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the feta cheese and fresh mint, stirring to combine. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly before using as the filling.
Spoon the filling onto one side of each chicken breast. Fold the other side over and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Heat an oven-safe skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers (if using). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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