Stuffed Chicken Mediterranean Style

This rolled chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an impressive dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of salty feta, earthy spinach, and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion that keeps this dish in my regular rotation for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

I first made this dish when trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit to our home. The oohs and aahs when I sliced into the chicken revealing the colorful spiral of ingredients made it an instant family favorite, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect canvas for rolling and stuffing. Look for similarly sized pieces for even cooking
• Feta cheese adds briny saltiness and creamy texture. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the most authentic flavor
• Fresh spinach provides color, nutrition and a mild earthy taste. Baby spinach works best as it's more tender
• Sun-dried tomatoes contribute sweet-tart flavor intensity and chewy texture. Oil-packed varieties offer extra richness
• Garlic infuses the filling with aromatic depth. Fresh cloves yield far better flavor than pre-minced options
• Smoked paprika in the chicken seasoning creates a subtle smoky undertone that complements the filling perfectly
• Dried oregano adds classic Mediterranean herbaceousness that ties all flavors together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Begin by butterflying each chicken breast by placing your hand flat on top and carefully slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then opening it like a book. Place between plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan. The even thickness ensures consistent cooking and easier rolling. Season both sides generously with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and paprika mixture, pressing it in to adhere.

Make the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add minced garlic and cook for precisely 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, which would create bitterness. Add chopped spinach in batches if necessary, stirring constantly until completely wilted but still bright green, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before gently folding in the crumbled feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until evenly distributed.

Fill and Roll

Arrange each flattened chicken breast with the short end toward you. Place one-quarter of the filling mixture along the center of each breast, leaving about half an inch of space at each edge. Starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll the chicken up tightly while tucking in the sides. Secure each roll with 3-4 toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Carefully place each chicken roll seam-side down in the hot oil and sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Using tongs, carefully rotate each roll to sear all sides evenly, about 6-8 minutes total. This critical step develops flavor through caramelization and helps seal in juices.

Bake the Chicken

Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F. The chicken will continue cooking slightly during resting. Allow the chicken to rest untouched for a full 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks and slicing each roll crosswise into medallions to showcase the beautiful spiral of filling.

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This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, though her version used breadcrumbs instead of feta. The first time I made my updated version with the tangy feta cheese, my family immediately declared it even better than the original. The way the cheese gets slightly melty while still maintaining its distinctive flavor is what makes this dish truly special.

Make-Ahead Options

This chicken dish works beautifully for meal planning. You can butterfly and pound the chicken breasts up to two days in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. The filling can also be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. For a complete make-ahead solution, assemble the entire dish up to the point of searing, then wrap each uncooked roll individually and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply sear and bake as directed, adding about 5 minutes to the baking time since the chicken will be cold from the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve alongside lemon-herb roasted potatoes and a simple Greek salad. The chicken also works beautifully atop a bed of orzo pasta tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. For a lighter option, consider serving with a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the sliced chicken adds an elegant finishing touch for special occasions.

Customization Ideas

While this classic combination of feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes offers balanced flavors, the recipe welcomes creative variations. Try substituting goat cheese or mozzarella for the feta, or mix in different herbs like basil or dill for a fresh twist. Baby kale can stand in for spinach, offering a more robust flavor profile. For a more substantial filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or toasted pine nuts for texture contrast. You can also adjust the heat level by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.

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Common Questions

→ Can I prepare these chicken rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything through the rolling step, then cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook, continue with the searing and baking steps, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time since the chicken will be cold.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese makes an excellent substitute with a similar tangy flavor profile. Other alternatives include ricotta mixed with a bit of parmesan for sharpness, or mozzarella for a milder, meltier option. Each cheese will slightly alter the final flavor profile.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Secure the rolls tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Place the seam side down when first searing the chicken, which helps seal the roll. Don't overfill each chicken breast, and make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness for easier rolling.

→ What side dishes pair well with these chicken rolls?

These Mediterranean-inspired chicken rolls pair beautifully with simple sides like lemon-herb couscous, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

→ Can I use fresh instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes have more moisture and may make the filling runny, you can use them if you remove the seeds and juice first. For a similar concentrated flavor to sun-dried tomatoes, consider roasting fresh tomatoes until slightly dehydrated before chopping and adding to the filling.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a roll - the meat should be completely white with no pink, and juices should run clear.