If you’re looking for a delicious dinner that feels both fancy and comforting, the Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. These tender, juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a heavenly mixture of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and garlic, creating a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. Perfectly seared to a golden brown before baking, these chicken rolls bring together simple ingredients into something truly special that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play vital roles in bringing out the perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and savory goodness. Each one contributes essential texture and flavor to create those irresistible chicken rolls.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Make sure to pound them thin for easy rolling and even cooking.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Provides a vibrant color and a subtle earthiness that’s key to the filling.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy richness that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy binding texture for the filling.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Brings a punch of savory depth to brighten the filling.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Imparts fragrant Mediterranean herbs that complement the feta perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat to balance the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste but be mindful as feta is naturally salty.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the rolls to a golden crisp before baking.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: Necessary for keeping those rolls tightly wrapped during cooking.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing the fresh chopped spinach, creamy feta, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This filling combines smooth creaminess and fresh, herbaceous notes that will perfectly complement the chicken without overpowering it.
Step 2: Roll the Chicken
Lay your pounded chicken breasts flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the spinach and feta mixture evenly over each piece. Then, roll the chicken breasts up carefully but tightly, securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine so that none of that delicious filling escapes during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Rolls
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rolls seam side down first and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until you get that beautiful golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds irresistible flavor and texture from the outside.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a lightly greased baking dish, then pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to remove toothpicks or twine before serving so nothing gets in the way of enjoying every bite.
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few crumbles of extra feta cheese on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that really brightens the dish. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice for an extra zing that brings everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls go wonderfully with simple Greek salad to keep the Mediterranean theme alive, or roasted potatoes for a hearty, comforting touch. You could also pair them with fluffy rice or sautéed vegetables to keep the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, slice the rolls into pinwheels to show off those lovely layers of spinach and feta. Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of herbs for a restaurant-quality feel right at home. These also work great for parties and make fun finger foods when sliced small enough!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain moisture well thanks to the creamy filling, making them just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and follow the cooking steps as usual. This makes meal prep a breeze on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken rolls in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture tender and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach in the Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well as long as you thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture; otherwise, the filling can become watery.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
You can substitute ricotta or mascarpone cheese for cream cheese if you want a slightly different texture or a lighter option. Both blend nicely with the feta and spinach.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses chicken and fresh ingredients without any breading or gluten-containing fillers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and even roll the chicken the day before, storing it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
How do I know when the chicken rolls are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F, ensuring they’re safe and juicy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe enough! It brings together simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these rolls are a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal with minimal fuss.
Print
Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired main course featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and creamy cheeses. These rolls are seared to a golden brown and then baked to juicy perfection, making for a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Rolls
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Spinach and Cheese Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Filling. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the filling is evenly blended.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts. Lay each pounded chicken breast flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the spinach and feta filling onto each breast. Roll up each chicken breast tightly to enclose the filling, then secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken Rolls. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rolled chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and adds a beautiful crust.
- Bake to Finish Cooking. Transfer the seared chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the spinach and feta filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for convenience.
- These chicken rolls pair wonderfully with sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad.
- For a time-saving alternative, use frozen spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly drained.
