Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Recipe

The Best Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Succulent chicken breasts become a canvas for vibrant Mediterranean stuffed chicken flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean herbs and spices infuse each tender bite with rich, aromatic goodness.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Colorful vegetables and creamy cheese nestle inside perfectly seasoned chicken, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Crisp textures and bold Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the dinner table, eager to savor each delicious forkful.

Prepare to transform an everyday protein into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will impress and delight.

Why Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Is So Satisfying

  • Packed with Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and roasted red peppers, this chicken delivers a mouthwatering taste journey that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.
  • Requires minimal preparation steps and uses just one skillet, making it perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.
  • Combines lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach and peppers, creating a balanced dish that supports wellness without sacrificing incredible taste and satisfaction.
  • Comes together rapidly with straightforward instructions, allowing busy families to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex cooking methods.

What Goes Into Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that serves as the base for this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • Spinach: A nutrient-rich leafy green that adds color and freshness to the stuffing.
  • Feta Cheese: A tangy and crumbly Greek cheese that provides a creamy texture to the filling.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Roasted Red Peppers, Olives: Ingredients that bring a rich Mediterranean flavor and add depth to the stuffing.
  • Basil, Oregano, Paprika: Herbs and spices that create a vibrant and aromatic seasoning profile.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that intensifies the overall taste of the dish.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients for seasoning, searing, and adding moisture to the chicken.
  • Toothpicks: A practical tool used to secure the stuffed chicken breast during cooking.

Tools for Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Success

  • Oven-safe skillet or cast iron skillet: Essential for searing and baking the chicken in one pan.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for slicing and preparing ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
  • Small mixing bowl: Great for combining filling ingredients.
  • Paper towels: Helps dry the chicken before seasoning.
  • Toothpicks: Useful for securing the chicken pocket closed.
  • Measuring tablespoon: Helps add the right amount of olive oil.

Step-by-Step Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This perfect temperature will help create a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.

Step 2: Ready the Chicken

Gently pat the chicken breast dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to cut completely through the meat.

Step 3: Season the Protein

Sprinkle and massage a blend of:
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Rub the seasonings thoroughly on both sides of the chicken, ensuring every inch is well-coated with flavor.

Step 4: Create the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped roasted red peppers
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Sliced kalamata olives
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil

Mix these ingredients until they form a delightful, colorful mixture.

Step 5: Stuff the Chicken

Carefully spoon the filling into the pocket you created earlier.

Distribute the mixture evenly to ensure each bite is packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Use toothpicks to securely close the pocket.

Step 6: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the stuffed chicken in the pan and sear until a beautiful golden brown develops, approximately 3 minutes on each side.

Step 7: Bake to Completion

Transfer the entire skillet with the chicken directly into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Mediterranean Chicken

  • Use toothpicks to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking, ensuring each bite contains the delicious Mediterranean mixture.
  • Choose high-quality feta, crisp spinach, and bright roasted red peppers to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Brown chicken in a hot skillet before baking to create a crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds rich caramelized flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
  • Assemble stuffed chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight cooking faster and easier.

Creative Variations for Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

  • Low-Carb Greek-Style Chicken: Replace spinach with zucchini, use almond flour to coat chicken, and add extra herbs for a keto-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Vegetarian Stuffing: Swap chicken for portobello mushrooms, use quinoa instead of meat, and incorporate roasted eggplant with the existing filling ingredients.
  • Dairy-Free Mediterranean Chicken: Remove feta cheese, substitute with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast, and keep all other ingredients consistent for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken: Enhance flavor profile by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and mint to the original filling, creating a more aromatic Mediterranean experience.

Elegant Ways to Present Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

  • Family Feast Delight: Serve this Mediterranean stuffed chicken with a crisp Greek salad and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings everyone together.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Slice the chicken and arrange on a platter with hummus, tzatziki, olives, and fresh cucumber slices to create a gorgeous shared dining experience.
  • Healthy Grain Bowl: Chop the stuffed chicken and place over quinoa or couscous, topped with extra crumbled feta and a drizzle of lemon-herb dressing for a nutritious lunch option.
  • Wine Pairing Dinner: Match this flavorful dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the Mediterranean herbs and cheese.

How to Store Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Easily

  • Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the flavor and texture of the Mediterranean chicken.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of feta cheese, roasted red peppers, basil, and olives creates a classic Mediterranean taste that brings bright, tangy, and salty notes to the chicken.

  • Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and stuff it with the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and sear and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! The chicken is lean protein, and the filling includes nutrient-rich spinach and heart-healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious meal that’s low in carbs and high in flavor.

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Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 41 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean stuffed chicken blends rich flavors from Greece and Italy into one delightful meal. Succulent chicken breasts filled with tangy feta, spinach, and herbs promise a simple yet elegant dining experience you can savor with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasonings:

  • 4 (8 ounces / 226 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Mediterranean Filling:

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons kalamata olives
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Liquid:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (remaining from chicken & seasonings section)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 400°F, ensuring a hot cooking environment for the chicken.
  2. Gently pat the chicken breast with paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating a clean surface for seasoning.
  3. Create a deep horizontal pocket in the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to slice completely through the meat.
  4. Massage oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper thoroughly onto both sides of the chicken, coating evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Blend spinach, feta, roasted red peppers, basil, olives, and garlic in a mixing bowl, incorporating olive oil to create a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired filling.
  6. Carefully spoon the prepared filling into the chicken pocket, distributing the mixture uniformly to ensure balanced flavors in each bite.
  7. Secure the stuffed chicken pocket using toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
  8. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the stuffed chicken until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 3 minutes per side.
  9. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro carefully pat chicken dry to ensure crispy exterior and prevent soggy skin.
  • Create Perfect Pocket slice chicken horizontally with sharp knife, keeping one side intact for even stuffing distribution.
  • Balance Flavor Blend Mediterranean ingredients like feta and olives proportionally to avoid overwhelming saltiness.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation skip breadcrumbs and replace high-carb ingredients with additional herbs and vegetables for keto-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 21 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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