Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach: A Deliciously Quick Meal for Busy Nights
If you’re looking for a tasty, easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends without turning your kitchen into a battleground, look no further! Our Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach is a delightful recipe that combines succulent chicken breast with the bold flavors of feta cheese and spinach. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a go-to meal on your weekly menu. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure and create something special!
Why You’ll Love This Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach
Life is hectic, right? Between juggling work, the kids, and trying to maintain some semblance of social life, we all want meals that are both quick and satisfying. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a splash of creativity, making it not only a great option for a busy weeknight but also a dish that feels fancy enough for guests. Just imagine serving this at your next dinner party—everyone will think you’ve spent all day in the kitchen!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing the rolls
Tips Before You Start
Gather all your ingredients beforehand, and don’t forget to bring your sense of humor into the kitchen! This dish is as much about having fun as it is about eating delicious food.
Steps to this Flavorful Rolled Chicken Dish
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While you might be tempted to skip this step, let’s be honest—no one wants soggy chicken, right?
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, feta cheese, and cream cheese until well combined. This creamy filling is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy about getting your hands in there!
Butterfly the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and carefully butterfly it, which means cutting it in half horizontally, making sure not to slice all the way through. This allows for a pocket to hold that luscious filling.
Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the opened chicken breast to enhance the flavors.
Fill and Roll: Place a generous scoop of the spinach-feta mixture inside each chicken breast. Roll them up tightly, starting from the narrow end, and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Sizzle in Oil: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the chicken rolls seam side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step not only helps seal the filling but adds a toasty flavor.
Bake: Transfer the skillet—or if your skillet isn’t oven-proof, place the rolls in a baking dish—into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This is crucial—nobody wants dry chicken! Slice them into pinwheels for presentation (and to make it Instagram-ready).
Cooking Tips
Don’t Have Feta? If feta isn’t your thing, try ricotta or even cheddar. But let’s be real—feta = magic.
Make it Ahead: Want to meal prep? Assemble the chicken rolls and store them uncooked in the fridge. Just add a bit of extra baking time when you’re ready to cook them!
Your Kitchen, Your Rules: If the filling spills out as you roll, don’t panic! Just think of it as a “cheesy bonus” for your kitchen counter.
A Personal Touch
I first tried this recipe when my sister, Patricia, made it for a family get-together. The moment I took a bite, I was in food heaven! It was such a hit that I’ve made my own version countless times. It became our family’s go-to meal, especially on busy Sundays when we needed something to impress without the fuss.
FAQs About Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Just remember to adjust your cooking time slightly, as they may need a few more minutes.
How can I store leftovers?
Let the chicken cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave—voilà, another meal sorted!
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You bet! Substitute the chicken with eggplant or zucchini slices, toning down the cooking time to ensure they don’t get mushy.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! This Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach is a delightful combination of flavors and is perfect for impressing both your family and friends. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious—a winning recipe for your busy lifestyle. Now, gather your apron and get cooking! You’re about to make an easy weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking, friends!
Meta Description: Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach is the perfect recipe for busy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious, it will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
For more delicious recipes, check out my family-friendly meals or explore ideas for delicious dinner parties to add flair to your gatherings!
Rolled Chicken with Feta & Spinach
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, feta cheese, and cream cheese until well combined.
- Take each chicken breast and carefully butterfly it, cutting it in half horizontally, making sure not to slice all the way through.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the opened chicken breast.
- Place a generous scoop of the spinach-feta mixture inside each chicken breast and roll them up tightly, securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken rolls seam side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven or place the rolls in a baking dish, and bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into pinwheels for presentation.
