Rolled Chicken with Spinach

This rolled up chicken with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes is a wonderful way to bring together fresh ingredients into a meal that tastes as good as it looks. The combination of tender chicken breasts wrapped around a flavorful filling makes for a satisfying dish that works well for family dinners or impressing guests without a lot of fuss.

I first tried this recipe when I wanted something special yet straightforward, and it quickly became a favorite. The kids love the creamy feta paired with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and it has become a regular request.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: keep the dish lean and juicy
• 1 cup fresh spinach: a pop of green and nutrition
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: add creamy tanginess choose quality feta for best flavor
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: give a burst of sweet and savory notes
• 2 cloves minced garlic: brighten the overall taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: offering a Mediterranean herbal aroma
• Salt and pepper: balance all the flavors
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: for searing the chicken and adding richness
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: keep the chicken moist while baking and add flavor depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it's ready for baking. Then prepare the filling by combining fresh spinach, crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well to meld the flavors.

Flatten the Chicken:

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about half an inch thick. This even thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling easier.

Assemble the Rolls:

Lay a good amount of the prepared filling along one edge of each chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken away from you, starting at the filled edge. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold everything together while cooking.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rolled chicken pieces and sear them for three to four minutes on each side until golden brown. This step builds a flavorful crust and locks in moisture.

Bake the Chicken:

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Rest and Serve:

Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for five minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, resulting in moist, tender slices that are easy to cut.

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I always look forward to the combo of creamy feta with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It reminds me of family dinners where food brought everyone around the table eager to share stories and laughter.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, wrap individual chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts for turkey breasts if you want a leaner protein alternative. Goat cheese works as a delicious substitute for feta, changing the flavor slightly but maintaining creaminess. Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard if preferred, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken alongside a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with cooked quinoa or brown rice, which soak up the tasty juices. Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and extra nutrition.

Cultural Context

This dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean flavors where feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are staples. Mediterranean cuisine is all about balancing fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and simple proteins to create dishes that feel both hearty and light, which this recipe captures well.

Pro Tips

• Always pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks uniformly and rolls smoothly
• Do not skip searing the chicken rolls because this adds depth and texture
• Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy when you slice

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the filling can be mixed and stored refrigerated for up to a day before assembling the chicken rolls, which helps streamline cooking on mealtime.

→ What sides complement this dish well?

Consider serving with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or whole grains like quinoa or brown rice to balance the creamy filling and tender chicken.

→ Can frozen spinach be used for the filling?

Frozen spinach is fine if thawed and thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture before mixing, ensuring the filling isn’t soggy.

→ How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?

Flattening the chicken breasts to uniform thickness helps them cook through evenly and makes rolling easier.

→ What alternative cheeses can I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese works well as a substitute to keep the creamy texture and add a slightly different tangy flavor.

→ Is resting the chicken after baking important?

Allowing the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes lets the juices redistribute, resulting in more moist and flavorful servings.