Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach, feta, and ricotta, seasoned with aromatic spices, seared to golden perfection, and baked for a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup ricotta cheese
2 scallions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon dried dill
Toothpicks, for securing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry.
- Cut a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast to create a pocket, without cutting through.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season chicken inside and out.
- In another bowl, mix spinach, feta, ricotta, scallions, garlic, and dill until well combined.
- Spoon filling evenly into chicken pockets and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Swap ricotta for whipped cottage cheese for a lighter filling.
- Use fresh baby spinach, chopped and lightly sautéed, instead of frozen.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and lemon zest for a Mediterranean twist.
- Season with za’atar instead of paprika and oregano for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- Make ahead by preparing through the searing step, refrigerating, and baking later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg