Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are a mouthwatering dish combining the wholesome goodness of spinach, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and tender, juicy chicken breasts. This recipe is perfect for a fancy dinner or meal prepping, offering a healthy and flavorful option. Packed with nutrients and brimming with taste, this dish is both easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, creating a flap that opens like a book. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet to even out the thickness.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step ensures a flavorful base for the rolls.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, feta cheese, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and dried oregano. Mix well to create the filling.
- Spoon an equal portion of the spinach and feta mixture onto one side of each butterflied chicken breast. Gently fold the other side over the filling, encasing it completely. Secure the edges using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step helps seal in the juices and adds a lovely crust.
- Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken rolls to the preheated oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the rolls to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the chicken rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Slice each roll into rounds for an elegant presentation, or serve them whole alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy these delicious Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls, a recipe that combines simplicity with sophistication, making it a perfect choice for any occasion!