Ever wondered how to transform ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests? The secret lies in mastering the art of stuffing and rolling – a technique that’s simpler than you might think but delivers exceptional results every time.
This Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach recipe combines tender chicken breast with creamy feta cheese and nutrient-rich spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. The beautiful spiral of flavors not only tastes amazing but creates a stunning presentation that makes any dinner feel special.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 8 oz fresh spinach (can substitute with frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled (goat cheese works as a tangy alternative)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (fresh basil leaves work wonderfully if available)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks for securing
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness)
Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
This Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach comes together in under an hour, which is approximately 30% faster than many traditional stuffed chicken breast recipes that require longer marination or more complex preparation steps. The efficiency-to-impression ratio makes this perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ¼ inch using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, dried herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well to combine all flavors. This filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.
Step 4: Stuff and Roll the Chicken
Lay the flattened chicken breasts smooth side down. Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over each breast, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. Starting from the narrower end, tightly roll up each chicken breast, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent the filling from escaping.
Step 5: Secure the Rolls
Secure each rolled chicken breast with kitchen twine or toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. If using twine, tie at 1-inch intervals. For toothpicks, insert them at an angle to hold the roll together effectively.
Step 6: Sear the Chicken
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter if using for extra flavor. Once hot, add the chicken rolls and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step creates a flavorful crust and helps seal in the juices.
Step 7: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Remove the twine or toothpicks, then slice each roll into medallions about 1-inch thick. Arrange on plates and drizzle with any pan juices for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach (one stuffed chicken breast) provides approximately:
- Calories: 350-380 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 19g (7g saturated)
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Calcium: 200mg (20% of daily recommended intake)
- Iron: 2.5mg (14% of daily recommended intake)
This protein-rich dish delivers significant nutritional benefits, with the spinach providing essential vitamins A and K, while the feta adds calcium. The lean protein from chicken helps support muscle maintenance and provides sustained energy.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For those watching their fat intake, consider these modifications:
• Use reduced-fat feta cheese or substitute with cottage cheese mixed with a small amount of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with less fat.
• Replace half the feta with ricotta cheese for a lighter option that still maintains creaminess.
• Skip the butter during searing and use a non-stick cooking spray instead.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta with soaked and pureed cashews mixed with nutritional yeast and a splash of lemon juice.
• Add more vegetables to the filling such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach with these complementary side dishes:
• Serve over a bed of lemon-garlic quinoa or brown rice to absorb the delicious juices.
• Pair with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.
• Create a light accompaniment with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
• For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.
• Drizzle the plated chicken with a light tzatziki sauce or balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not pounding the chicken thin enough: Uneven thickness leads to inconsistent cooking and difficulty rolling. Aim for ¼-inch thickness throughout.
- Overstuffing the chicken: Too much filling makes rolling difficult and causes leakage during cooking. Use about 2-3 tablespoons per breast.
- Skipping the searing step: This crucial step develops flavor and helps seal the roll. Don’t rush past it even when short on time.
- Not draining the spinach properly: Excess moisture makes the filling soggy and can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
- Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking: Without a proper resting period, you’ll lose flavorful juices. Always rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Removing the twine or toothpicks before cooking: These keep the roll intact during the cooking process and should only be removed just before serving.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This dish works wonderfully for meal prep and leftovers. Store properly to maintain quality:
• Refrigerate leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Slice only what you plan to eat immediately, as whole rolls retain moisture better.
• To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating which can make the chicken tough.
• Freeze uncooked, prepared rolls for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
• The spinach-feta filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator, making assembly quicker on cooking day.
• For a quick make-ahead option, prepare the rolls through the searing stage, then refrigerate. Finish in the oven when ready to serve, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This elegant yet approachable Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a memorable meal that balances sophisticated flavors with straightforward preparation. The combination of savory feta, nutritious spinach, and aromatic herbs creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both impressive and accessible.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Did you make any creative modifications or discover a perfect side dish pairing? Share your photos and tag us on social media with #RolledChickenFetaSpinach. For more delicious chicken recipes that will elevate your dinner rotation, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!
