If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as impressive as it is delicious, you’ve got to try my Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together easily — perfect for weeknights or when guests come over. Juicy chicken stuffed with tangy feta, sweet sun dried tomatoes, and melty mozzarella? Yes, please! Stick around and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this recipe with zero stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: The creamy feta and mozzarella pair beautifully with the tangy sun dried tomatoes for a flavor punch that’s anything but boring.
- Simple Prep, Stunning Result: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress yourself (and anyone you’re feeding!).
- Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time: Searing the stuffed breasts before baking locks in moisture and that golden crust everyone loves.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily tailor the stuffing or sides to your family’s tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe brings together ingredients that create a perfect harmony of texture and flavor — creamy cheeses, bright herbs, and that punch of umami from the sun dried tomatoes. Here’s a little rundown of why each one is a keeper and a couple of shopping tips to keep you stress-free.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh and tender, it wilts quickly and blends into the cheese filling perfectly without overpowering.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Look for plump breasts that are uniform in size to help them cook evenly and stuff nicely.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy creaminess that’s key to this recipe’s flavor profile. I like to use the crumbled kind for easy mixing.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and balances the feta’s tang with its creamy smoothness.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil: They bring sweet, concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture that contrasts the cheese. Using the packed-in-oil variety makes them tender and easier to chop.
- Fresh Basil or Dried Basil: Fresh is always best for brightness, but dried works in a pinch and still adds that lovely herbaceous note.
- Dried Oregano: Grounds the filling in classic Mediterranean flavors—think Greek salad vibes.
- Minced Fresh Garlic: Adds a punch of savory aromatics that wakes up all the other ingredients.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a touch for subtle heat and complexity, but you can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Olive Oil: Ideal for searing and adding richness to the pan juices later on.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring every element together.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite parts about this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap in your favorite cheeses, add different herbs, or tweak the filling to suit your cravings or what’s in your pantry. Trust me, when you start making this, you’ll find your own little twists that feel just right.
- Variation: I’ve tried adding chopped Kalamata olives for an extra salty, briny kick that’s amazing if you love bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, I swap the cheeses for a herby cashew cream cheese — keep in mind the texture changes slightly but the flavor is still fantastic.
- Seasonal Twist: In spring or summer, fresh tomato chunks or roasted red peppers sprinkled in the filling add a vibrant freshness that brightens the dish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Spinach
The first thing I do is heat some warm water in a big skillet, then toss in the baby spinach until it just wilts—about a minute or two. This keeps it bright and tender without turning it mushy. Pat it dry between layers of paper towels to avoid soggy stuffing later on, because trust me, you want the filling to be moist but not wet.
Step 2: Prepping the Chicken Breasts
Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap—this keeps your fingers clean and prevents tearing. Then, gently pound the thick parts to even them out to about 2/3 inch thickness. This step is crucial so the chicken cooks evenly and you don’t end up with dry edges while the middle is still raw.
Step 3: Making the Pocket and Stuffing
Carefully slice a pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast—you want a deep slit but be careful not to cut all the way through. Then, mix together the spinach, feta, mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stuff each breast with a quarter of the mixture, packing it a bit so it stays in place. Use toothpicks to seal the opening; this stops the cheese from oozing out during cooking (a tip I learned the hard way!).
Step 4: Searing the Chicken
After rinsing and drying your skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season each breast with salt and pepper, then sear on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in juices, making the final dish juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Pop the skillet in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 12 to 16 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally (I use a meat thermometer for confidence). Once done, transfer to a plate, remove those toothpicks, and drizzle any pan juices over the top. If you have the patience, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; it helps keep the filling intact and flavors settle nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Pound Gently: I always tap the chicken with the flat side of a meat mallet gently to avoid tearing the meat—it makes the stuffing process so much smoother.
- Don’t Skip the Toothpicks: Using one or two toothpicks to close the pocket is a must—it keeps the cheese from escaping and burning on the pan.
- Use an Oven-Proof Skillet: It makes going from stovetop sear to oven seamless and means less cleanup later!
- Thermometer is Your Friend: Checking that the chicken is done with a food thermometer takes all the guesswork out of the cooking time and guarantees juicy results.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley to add a pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes I’ll drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten everything up.
Side Dishes
My go-tos are a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or lightly sautéed green beans. If I’m feeling extra cozy, creamy risotto or a herby couscous pairs beautifully with the medley of flavors inside the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I slice the stuffed chicken breast on the diagonal and fan the slices out on the plate, letting that gooey cheese and tomato filling peek through. A drizzle of pan sauce and a sprinkle of microgreens makes it look restaurant-worthy with minimal fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend wrapping it tightly or placing parchment paper between pieces to avoid sticking, especially once sliced.
Freezing
If I want to freeze these, I wrap each stuffed breast individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
I find the best way to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you’re in a hurry, a quick stint in the microwave (covered) works too, but be mindful the filling might become a little less firm.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a bit fattier and more forgiving, so they work well for stuffing. Just keep in mind they might need slightly different cooking times—check for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
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What if I don’t have sun dried tomatoes?
If sun dried tomatoes aren’t available, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute and provide a similar sweetness and texture in the filling. Just chop them finely so they blend well with the cheese.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the feta and mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives or try making a creamy filling with blended cashews and herbs. Keep in mind the flavor will shift but can still be delicious and satisfying.
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Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, then sear and bake right before serving for fresh, hot results.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s just so darn satisfying. It strikes that magic balance of easy prep and impressive flavors that gets everyone smiling at the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delicious as I do — plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate simple chicken into something memorable. Happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This delicious stuffed chicken breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of baby spinach, feta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The chicken is seared to a golden brown and then baked to perfection, making for a satisfying and elegant main course that’s perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Stuffing Ingredients
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 1/2 cup (2.5 oz) crumbled feta
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or 3/4 tsp dried basil
- 3/4 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Chicken and Cooking Ingredients
- 4 (7 to 8 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Wilt Spinach: Heat warm water in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until simmering. Add baby spinach and toss gently until barely wilted, adding more water as needed. Remove spinach and drain on layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Pound Chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Gently pound the thicker parts of each chicken breast with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 2/3-inch, taking care not to tear the meat.
- Create Pockets: Cut a deep pocket through the thickness of each chicken breast from the inner side, being careful not to cut through the other sides to hold the stuffing securely.
- Prepare Stuffing: Pat the spinach dry with paper towels and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add feta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss everything to combine evenly.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with about one-quarter of the stuffing mixture, compacting it gently. Seal the opening with one or two toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Prepare Skillet: Clean and dry the skillet used earlier. Place it over medium-high heat and coat the inside bottom and sides with olive oil.
- Sear Chicken: Season both sides of each stuffed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and sear for 2 minutes on the second side until golden brown.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 12 to 16 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken (not the filling) reaches 165 °F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate. Remove toothpicks and drizzle pan juices over the chicken. Serve whole or let cool for 10 minutes and slice before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs when possible for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Ensure the chicken pockets are sealed tightly with toothpicks to prevent stuffing from falling out during cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked to 165 °F.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil, rehydrate dry ones in warm water and drain before using.
- Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing helps retain juices and improves texture.
- You can serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
