There is nothing quite as satisfying as a dish that brings together bright, savory flavors with a rustic homemade touch. This Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is one of those magical meals that delivers on taste and presentation with ease. Tender chicken breasts envelop a vibrant filling that bursts with the creamy saltiness of feta, the freshness of spinach, and the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in creating a dish that’s both wholesome and full of character. The combination of fresh, tangy, and aromatic elements makes this recipe truly unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing and rolling, providing lean protein and tenderness when cooked just right.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Adds vibrant color, moisture, and a mild earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Offers creamy saltiness that melts slightly inside the warm chicken, creating a luscious filling.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Bring concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture contrast that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and searing, contributing a fruity richness and helping to lock in moisture.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the filling and chicken with a warm, savory undertone that enhances every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the natural flavors and keep everything balanced.
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional): An extra layer of fragrant herbs to deepen the flavor complexity if desired.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish: Add a fresh aromatic touch and bright green pop when serving.
How to Make Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and makes rolling easier. Lightly grease or line a baking dish to prepare it for the chicken rolls you’ll be baking shortly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled feta, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. If you like, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or your favorite dried herbs to build a more layered flavor. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated — this will be the star of your stuffing.
Step 3: Stuff and Roll the Chicken
Lay each chicken breast flat and place a generous spoonful of the filling right in the center. Roll the chicken breast tightly over the filling, ensuring it is well sealed. If needed, secure each roll with toothpicks to hold its shape through cooking. This step is so satisfying because you’re creating these elegant pockets of flavor that will burst open once sliced.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken rolls in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. This golden crust locks in the juices and develops beautiful flavor, setting you up for a juicy finish in the oven.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the seared chicken rolls to your prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. The chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Taking the time to bake the rolls gently ensures each bite is tender and succulent.
Step 6: Serve
Once done, let your chicken rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute so every slice is moist and flavorful. Remove any toothpicks, slice the rolls, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This simple finishing touch adds brightness and makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of oregano bring lively freshness and a pop of green that contrast beautifully with the warm golden chicken. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a light squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange sliced chicken rolls artistically on a serving platter with scattered fresh greens underneath and around. You can also serve the chicken whole alongside colorful roasted peppers or sweet potato wedges for a rustic and inviting look that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your cooled chicken rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these stuffed chicken rolls freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain maximum flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave on medium power, ensuring you avoid drying out the chicken. Rest briefly before serving for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from frozen spinach before mixing it into the filling to avoid soggy chicken.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding helps to even out the thickness of the chicken breasts which makes rolling easier and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. If your chicken breasts are already thin and uniform, you can skip this step.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, chopped roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes sautéed down can bring a nice sweet and tangy flavor as alternatives.
Can I prepare this dish ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them in the baking dish before searing and baking. Just bring them back to room temperature before cooking for the best outcome.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Otherwise, cut into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear and the meat is opaque.
Final Thoughts
This Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is a delicious way to elevate your dinner routine with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and the vibrant colors and textures are sure to impress family and friends alike. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it might just become one of your go-to dishes for every occasion.
Print
Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious rolled up chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of feta cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. This easy-to-make dish is seared to perfection before baking, resulting in a juicy and savory main course perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional, 1 teaspoon)
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Lightly grease or line a baking dish and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stuff and roll the chicken: Lay each chicken breast flat and place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center. Carefully roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure each roll with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks, slice the chicken rolls if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for flavor.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for the Italian seasoning.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid injury.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
