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Stuffed Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

This dish features tender chicken breasts that are butterflied and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach and feta cheese, then seared and roasted to perfection. The process involves marinating, stuffing, searing, and baking, resulting in juicy, golden-brown chicken with a vibrant, savory filling and a crisp exterior.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts about 200 grams each
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife
  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen twine (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally into the thick side, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
  3. Mix lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, and parsley in a small bowl, then marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it heats, prepare the stuffing by combining chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Stuff each chicken pocket with the spinach and feta mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling inside.
  6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and slightly fragrant.
  7. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
  9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this helps keep the juices locked in.
  10. Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve with a drizzle of pan juices and your favorite sides.