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Mouthwatering Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts: An Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Are you tired of serving bland chicken dinners? Do you dream of transforming everyday chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This incredible recipe for Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts is your answer to elevating weeknight meals into something truly special. It’s a dish that promises a delightful Mediterranean-inspired experience with minimal effort, proving that gourmet flavors can absolutely be achieved in your home kitchen.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and generously filled with a vibrant mixture of tangy feta cheese, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the simple joy of well-crafted food.

Forget the frustrations of complicated cooking or unreliable technology that sometimes gets in the way of enjoying your favorite things. This Feta Stuffed Chicken recipe is a steadfast winner, designed for success every time. It’s an elegant solution to the perennial question, “What’s for dinner?” providing a quick, healthy, and undeniably delicious option that will have everyone asking for seconds. And for an extra layer of indulgence, consider serving it alongside our popular Peppery Cheese Bread – a truly irresistible combination!

Why This Feta Stuffed Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Quick & Easy Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Explosion of Flavor: The combination of salty feta, rich sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and comforting.
Healthy & Lean: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, and with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this dish makes for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, a perfectly stuffed chicken breast looks sophisticated and will impress anyone you serve it to.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the filling to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooked mostly in one oven-proof skillet, cleanup is surprisingly easy, giving you more time to enjoy your evening.

The Heart of the Dish: A Sublime Mediterranean Filling

The secret to this chicken’s extraordinary flavor lies within its delightful filling. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and utterly delicious experience:

Feta Cheese: Crumbly, salty, and tangy, feta is the star. Its distinctive briny flavor is quintessential to Mediterranean cuisine and pairs beautifully with the mildness of chicken. When heated, it softens slightly, releasing its savory notes into every crevice of the chicken.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These concentrated bursts of flavor add a profound depth, a subtle sweetness, and a wonderful chewiness to the filling. Their umami richness complements the feta perfectly, adding a touch of rustic sophistication. Using dried (not oil-packed) tomatoes requires a quick rehydration, which is an easy step that unlocks their full potential.
Fresh or Dried Basil: Basil brings a vibrant herbaceous aroma and a sweet, peppery flavor that ties all the elements together. Whether you choose fresh basil for a brighter note or dried basil for a more intense, earthy flavor, it’s an indispensable component.
Cream Cheese: While not traditionally Mediterranean, a touch of softened cream cheese acts as a fantastic binder, ensuring the filling remains moist and creamy. It also mellows the sharpness of the feta, creating a more harmonious and luxurious texture.
Ground Black Pepper: A simple seasoning, black pepper adds a gentle warmth and a subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of the other ingredients.

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This easy dinner idea features chicken breasts generously stuffed with a savory mix of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil for a truly unforgettable meal.

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Total Time:

30
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

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These aren’t your ordinary chicken breasts! Chicken gets stuffed with feta, sun-dried tomatoes and basil in this easy dinner idea.

Ingredients

1
tablespoon
snipped dried tomatoes
(not oil-packed)
boiling water
4
skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
(about 1 1/4 pounds total)
1/4
cup
crumbled feta cheese
2
tablespoons
softened cream cheese
1/2
teaspoon
dried basil
(crushed)
1/2
teaspoon
ground black pepper
1
teaspoon
olive oil
Salt, to taste (optional, as feta is salty)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the snipped dried tomatoes in a small, heatproof bowl. Cover them completely with boiling water and let them stand for about 10 minutes to rehydrate. Once softened, drain the water thoroughly and pat the tomatoes very dry with a paper towel; set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken Breasts: While the tomatoes are rehydrating, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut through the thickest portion of each breast, going almost all the way through to the opposite side but ensuring not to cut completely through. This creates a pouch for your delicious filling. Set the prepared chicken breasts aside.
3. Make the Filling: In a separate small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, dried basil, and the rehydrated, dried tomatoes. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Spoon approximately 1 rounded tablespoon of this savory mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. If the opening of the pocket seems loose, you can secure it with one or two wooden toothpicks to keep the filling safely inside during cooking. Lightly sprinkle the outside of the chicken breasts with additional salt (optional, as feta is salty) and ground black pepper.
4. Sear and Bake: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until both sides are beautifully golden brown. This searing step helps to lock in moisture and develop a rich flavor.
5. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken directly to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully remove any toothpicks from the chicken breasts. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and moist.

Recipe adapted from Family Circle Quick and Easy Cooking.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Achieving culinary perfection with stuffed chicken is easier than you think. Follow these expert tips to ensure your Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts turn out flawlessly every time:

Even Thickness is Key: If your chicken breasts are uneven, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker parts with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Aim for an even thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. This ensures uniform cooking.
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious filling, resist the urge to overstuff the chicken pockets. A rounded tablespoon per breast is usually sufficient to ensure the filling stays inside and the chicken cooks properly.
Secure with Toothpicks: Wooden toothpicks are your best friend for keeping the filling secure. Insert them strategically across the opening of the pocket. Just remember to remove them all before serving!
Pat Chicken Dry: Before searing, make sure your chicken breasts are thoroughly patted dry. This allows for a better sear and a more golden-brown crust, enhancing the flavor and texture.
High Heat Sear: Start with medium-high heat in your oven-safe skillet. A good initial sear creates a beautiful crust and helps seal in the juices before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection (and safely) is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
Let it Rest: Don’t skip the resting step! After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

This Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your own signature dish:

Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of feta? Try crumbling goat cheese for a creamy, tangy alternative, or use shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for a milder, Italian-inspired twist.
Add Greens: Wilted spinach or kale can be a fantastic addition to the filling. Sauté a handful of greens with a minced garlic clove, squeeze out excess moisture, and mix it into the feta mixture.
Herbaceous Boost: Experiment with other fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or a blend of Italian herbs. A touch of fresh parsley or dill can also add brightness.
Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the filling will add a subtle warmth and kick.
Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of fresh lemon zest added to the filling can brighten all the flavors and add a refreshing citrus note.
Add Garlic: Minced garlic can be incorporated into the filling for an extra layer of savory depth.
Crunch Factor: Toasted pine nuts or finely chopped walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the filling.
Different Tomatoes: If you prefer, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can be used. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid excess oil in the filling.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Stuffed Chicken

These Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts are versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Fresh Salads: A simple Greek salad with crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives, dressed with a light vinaigrette, is a natural complement to the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken. A fresh garden salad with a lemon-herb dressing also works beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Roast asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the chicken in the oven. A drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all they need to create a healthy and flavorful side.
Grain Dishes: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or a flavorful rice pilaf. These grains soak up any delicious pan juices.
Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted new potatoes with rosemary, or even a light potato salad can be excellent choices.
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of our Peppery Cheese Bread is perfect for soaking up any sauces or juices from the chicken.
Light Pasta: A simple pasta dish tossed with olive oil, a little garlic, and fresh herbs would also make a lovely accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts ahead of time?: Yes, you can! You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before searing and baking.
Can I freeze stuffed chicken breasts?: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze uncooked stuffed chicken breasts. Wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking. You can also freeze cooked chicken, but the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
How should I store leftovers?: Store any leftover cooked Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What if I don’t have dried sun-dried tomatoes?: If you only have oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, simply drain them very well and pat them dry before chopping and adding them to the filling. The flavor will still be fantastic!
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?: This recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking. If using bone-in, skin-on breasts, the cooking time will be significantly longer, and you’ll need to adjust for bone-in internal temperature (165°F / 74°C, but will take longer to reach).