Food recipes
Posted on
Uncategorized

Perfectly Balanced Meal: A Delicious Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Author

Perfectly Balanced Meal: A Delicious Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Looking for a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? Try this easy-to-make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast. It's the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. This recipe is not only quick and simple to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber.

This dish comes together in about 30 minutes and serves four people perfectly. If you're looking for a meal that can be enjoyed as part of your balanced diet, this is it! You'll have a tasty lunch or dinner, which will leave you feeling satisfied without being heavy.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 16 oz fresh spinach (or frozen and thawed)
  • 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 small red onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Mix the crumbled feta cheese, minced red onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Place each piece back in the bowl and coat evenly, then place them on a plate.

Mound a spoonful of the spinach mixture into the center of each chicken breast. Fold one side of the chicken over the filling and press to seal. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 3: Cooking Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet and place the stuffed chicken breasts on it, seam-side down. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

To check the doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a breast, making sure it doesn’t touch bone. The chicken should be firm and not pink inside.

Additional Tips

  • Basting: For extra flavor, you can baste the stuffed breasts with melted butter or olive oil during cooking to make them juicy.
  • Potatoes: Serve this dish with roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. You could also try it with rice pilaf if you're looking for something different.
  • Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to mix things up. Adding more herbs and spices can also enhance the taste of your dish.

Serve these stuffed chicken breasts hot with a side salad for an even healthier option. Alternatively, you could pair it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets.

Nutritional Information

  • Each serving provides approximately:
  • Calories: 375 kcal (depending on the size of chicken breasts)
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Sodium: 750mg

This dish is a great way to enjoy spinach and feta in one satisfying meal. Not only does it taste amazing, but the combination of ingredients provides essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin K.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure that your chicken breasts are pounded uniformly so they cook evenly.
  • For best results, use fresh spinach. Frozen spinach may lead to a runny mixture when heated.
  • You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with regular bread crumbs if desired.

<

p>This recipe is not only quick and easy but also a nutritious option for those looking to add variety to their meal plans. Perfectly cooked and stuffed, these chicken breasts will provide you with an excellent protein source along with a generous helping of vegetables. Enjoy your homemade meal!