Spinach and Feta Chicken Roll

by

Introduction

Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are a delicious, healthy, and flavorful dish, combining tender chicken breasts with a savory stuffing of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken is rolled around the filling and baked to perfection, making for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Toothpicks, for securing the chicken rolls

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the 5 ounces of chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Butterfly each of the 4 chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the filling.
  2. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness.

Step 5: Stuff and Roll the Chicken

  1. Spoon an even amount of the spinach and feta mixture onto each chicken breast.
  2. Roll the chicken breasts tightly around the filling, tucking in the edges as you go. Secure each roll with toothpicks to prevent them from opening during cooking.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

  1. Place the stuffed chicken breasts, seam side down, in a baking dish.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear when the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls and serve hot.
  2. You can slice the chicken rolls into rounds for a more elegant presentation or serve them whole.

Cooking Notes:

  • Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and makes them easier to roll.
  • Feta Cheese: For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or ricotta.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor, or rehydrate dry-packed ones by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With a Side of Vegetables: Serve these chicken rolls with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or green beans, for a complete meal.
  • With Rice or Quinoa: Pair the dish with fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up any juices from the chicken.

Tips:

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers: Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time:

  • 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 30 minutes

Total Time:

  • 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sodium: 450mg

Conclusion

These Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are a fantastic way to elevate simple chicken breasts with a flavorful filling of spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of tender chicken and savory filling creates a delicious balance, while the presentation makes this dish perfect for serving at dinner parties or family meals. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or something a little fancy, these chicken rolls are sure to impress

Leave a Comment