Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a spinach weight loss recipe that actually tastes amazing? Are you as board as I am, with plain chicken? I'm talking major flavor, and it's kind to the waistline!
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean diet chicken recipe , Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast , comes straight from the sunny shores of Greece, well, sort of! It is the easy weeknight dinner you were dreaming of.
The stuffing takes minutes. This recipe is easy peasy lemon squeezy. It takes about 45- 50 minutes, and feeds four hungry people.
Main Benefits
It is a healthy chicken recipe for weight loss . This dish is high in protein and has a great nutritious value.
It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for slimming when you're craving something satisfying but still trying to keep things light.
What makes this recipe special is the burst of flavor you get in every bite and it's waistline friendly chicken recipes .
It feels fancy, but you could prepare this dish when you are in a hurry.
Time to gather the ingredients. Here's what you will need...
Unleashing the Magic: Ingredients Spotlight
Let's talk ingredients for this spinach and feta stuffed chicken recipe !. You'll need chicken breasts of course about four.
Don't buy them too small. Fresh spinach gives you a vibrant taste, about 10 ounces. Remember to wash the spinach .
You can use 10 ounces of frozen spinach if you are in a hurry. You'll need 4 ounces of feta, make sure to crumble it up! And then, garlic, parsley, one egg, breadcrumbs, lemon and seasonings.
That's it!
Gear Up: Equipment Checklist
You won't need any fancy gear! A skillet, a baking dish, mixing bowls, and a knife are all you'll need.
Preparing the Groundwork: step-by-step
This is dead easy to make, I promise. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C). Butterfly your chicken, and season it.
Then, sauté the spinach (if using fresh) and mix it all the stuffing ingredients. Next, stuff the chicken and bake for 25- 30 minutes, until cooked.
Rest it for five, and you are done.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk ingredients. This spinach weight loss recipe is all about keeping things fresh and flavourful. No need for fancy pants stuff.
We will keep it light and easy for our healthy chicken recipes for weight loss journey.
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this Spinach and feta stuffed chicken recipe :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Pounded to ½ inch thickness is key!
- 10 ounces (283g) fresh spinach, washed. Or, 10 ounces frozen. Squeeze that water out like your life depends on it!
- 4 ounces (113g) feta cheese, crumbled. The tangier, the better, in my opinion!
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes. If you like a little kick!
- 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs, plain.
- Salt and pepper to taste, obviously.
Seriously, don't skimp on quality feta. It makes all the difference in this Spinach feta chicken breast healthy creation. Get that delicious Mediterranean diet chicken recipe flavour.
Seasoning Notes
The secret ingredient is not an ingredient at all. It’s the balance . Garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes bring warmth. Parsley adds freshness. Salt and pepper? Well, those are a given.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. A little dried oregano would be lovely. Or, if you're feeling daring, try a pinch of smoked paprika.
Wanna add a kick to this easy stuffed chicken breast for weight loss ? Cayenne pepper is your friend.
Equipment Needed
Okay, the essential gear includes:
- Large skillet or saucepan. For wilting that spinach.
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. For baking the deliciousness.
- Meat mallet. For pounding the chicken to perfection.
- Mixing bowls.
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Instant read thermometer
No meat mallet? Use a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Don't overthink this High protein low carb chicken dinner .
It is a quick weeknight dinner for slimming
It's great to have all these tools but don't panic! This chicken breast recipes with vegetables is a blast! And it's totally waistline friendly chicken recipes
It's like a little party in your kitchen. What do you think about making it for dinner tonight?
Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to a Waistline Friendly Wonder!
So, you wanna bake some chicken, eh? Forget those dry, boring chicken breasts! We're diving into baking, particularly how to make spinach and feta stuffed chicken recipe a delightful reality.
Baking is fab because it's relatively hands off, and low-calorie chicken breast recipes often thrive in the oven. Plus, cleanup is a breeze who doesn't love that? I honestly find baking a brilliant way to keep things healthy and full of flavour!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place, darling! Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This is your essential mise en place .
Think: chopped spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, and herbs. Having everything prepped saves so much time . For safety, always wash your hands before handling raw chicken.
Honestly, it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised!
step-by-step Baking Bliss
Ready to bake this easy stuffed chicken breast for weight loss ? Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get it nice and toasty!
- Butterfly your chicken breasts. Open 'em like a book.
- Stuff each breast with your spinach and feta mixture.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes .
- Make sure the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) using an instant read thermometer.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Chicken Game
Spinach feta chicken breast healthy , right? Here are some tips to make it even better. First, don't overstuff the chicken! It'll spill out during baking.
Honestly, I've been there. Second , ensure your spinach is DRY. Soggy stuffing is a no-go. Finally, if you’re in a rush, you can prep the stuffing a day ahead.
Just store it in the fridge.
Baking lean chicken breast is a super way to keep things light and flavorful. This Mediterranean diet chicken recipe is so satisfying, and you're getting a high protein low carb chicken dinner without slaving away in the kitchen.
Baking is the perfect method for turning chicken breast recipes with vegetables like our beloved spinach and feta stuffed chicken recipe into an easy reality.
It is also a quick weeknight dinner for slimming . This recipe is fantastic and will help you with your waistline friendly chicken recipes.
Recipe Notes
This spinach and feta stuffed chicken recipe is truly a gem! Honestly, I've made it countless times, and it's always a winner. Here's what I've learned along the way:
Serving Suggestions: Plate It Like a Pro!
Presentation matters, right? I love plating this Mediterranean diet chicken recipe atop a bed of vibrant greens. Think rocket or a simple mixed salad.
A squeeze of lemon over the chicken brightens everything up. For a fancy touch, drizzle a balsamic glaze. You know, the kind that makes you feel like you're at a posh restaurant!
Complementary sides? I find that some roasted asparagus works wonders. Or, if I'm feeling a bit more carb-y, a light quinoa salad is perfect.
And for a beverage? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!
Got leftovers? No worries! This high protein low carb chicken dinner stores like a dream.
Refrigeration: Pop the cooked chicken into an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating, ok?
Freezing: Not planning on eating it soon? No problem! You can freeze it. Wrap each breast tightly in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.
It will last up to 2 months .
Reheating: To reheat, either microwave (not my fave, honestly) or bake in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Oven is ALWAYS best!
Variations: Putting Your Spin On It!
Want to mix things up? I get it! Honestly, I do this every time.
Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan feta alternative. And replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes).
Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, I sometimes add a bit of butternut squash puree to the stuffing. It adds a lovely sweetness.
In the summer, fresh basil instead of parsley works a treat! The spinach feta chicken breast healthy is adaptable!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!
This easy stuffed chicken breast for weight loss is packed with protein and relatively low in calories. Each serving contains around 250-300 calories, 40-45g of protein, 8-12g of fat, and 5-8g of carbs.
It's a great way to enjoy a filling meal without feeling guilty. The spinach weight loss recipe works due to it being low in calories and high in protein.
Remember, this is an estimate. Actual values may vary. I would say that this a quick weeknight dinner for slimming .
So, there you have it! All my little tips and tricks for this waistline friendly chicken recipes . Give it a go! You won't regret it.
And don't be afraid to experiment, alright? Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe actually good for weight loss? I'm skeptical!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed with weight loss in mind. It's packed with lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the spinach, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the feta adds flavour without a ton of calories, making it a tasty and waistline friendly choice.
It's a far cry from a greasy takeaway, that's for sure!
Can I use frozen spinach for this spinach weight loss recipe? Fresh spinach is such a faff!
Definitely! Frozen spinach is a great, convenient alternative to fresh. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the stuffing mixture. We don't want soggy chicken breasts, now do we? Think of it as giving that spinach a good old British squeeze!
How long can I store leftovers of this Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This recipe is great for meal prepping, so go ahead and make a big batch! Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. No one wants a dodgy tummy!
I'm not a big fan of feta. What else can I use in this spinach weight loss recipe?
No worries, we've got options! Goat cheese works as a fantastic substitute for feta, giving you a similar tang. You could also try ricotta cheese for a milder, creamier flavour. Or, for a dairy-free alternative, consider using a plant based feta option like Violife. Remember, cooking should be fun, not a chore!
What if my chicken breasts are really thick? How do I make sure they cook evenly?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key for even cooking. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them down to about ½ inch thickness. This will not only help them cook faster but also make them easier to stuff and roll.
Nobody wants a chewy chicken surprise!
Can I grill this Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe instead of baking it?
You sure can! Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavour to the chicken. Just make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
After all, there's no "I" in team, but there is in "grilling"!
Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |