Why Make This Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is not just a dinner option; it’s a delightful way to treat your taste buds while also sneaking in some nutritious ingredients. This dish is a perfect combination of juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection, topped with a creamy, flavorful spinach and feta filling. The aroma of baked chicken mingling with the fresh herbs and tangy cheese fills your kitchen and invites everyone to the table. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can easily be the star of both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
Making Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is a straightforward process that doesn’t require you to be a culinary expert. You get to enjoy the symphony of creamy feta, bright spinach, and aromatic herbs, all layered atop succulent chicken. With a bit of prep and about 35-45 minutes of baking time, you’ll have a dish that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen but feels like home.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped, or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 pieces green onions (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for brushing pan)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides, then arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, parsley, dill, green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until you have a cohesive, spreadable mixture with no cream cheese lumps remaining.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, creating a generous layer that covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach layer on each piece of chicken, distributing evenly.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer, the cheese is melted and golden brown with bubbly edges, and juices run clear when chicken is pierced. Thicker chicken breasts may need up to 45 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 34g
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
Serve your Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken hot out of the oven for maximum deliciousness. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad pairs perfectly with this rich dish. You might also consider serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the cheesy goodness. For special occasions, a glass of white wine can elevate the experience even further.
How to Store Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
Leftover Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
- For chicken that’s truly juicy, consider using thighs instead of breasts. They have a higher fat content and won’t dry out as easily.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture; wet spinach can make the chicken soggy.
- Don’t skimp on the seasonings! Properly seasoning the chicken before baking really enhances the flavors.
- Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest brightens the entire dish; don’t substitute with bottled juice if possible.
Delicious Variations
- Swap the feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños with the spinach mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be aware that bone-in chicken may require longer cooking times. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
What side dishes complement this chicken?
Consider serving it with a simple side of steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light, citrusy salad to keep things fresh and balanced.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the spinach mixture for more texture and flavor.
How can I tell when the chicken is done?
A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute nutritional yeast for cheese and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
What if I prefer a less creamy filling?
Adjust the quantity of cream cheese and feta in the filling to your taste—less cheese means a lighter dish.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Marinating the chicken in olive oil and herbs before cooking can help keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of cooking if you’re concerned.
Conclusion
Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken is a delightful dish that merges flavors and textures beautifully while making it easy to enjoy healthier ingredients. With its creamy filling and juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own with the variations and tips provided. We encourage you to share your culinary adventures with us; we love hearing your feedback and experiences! Enjoy your cooking!
Spinach and Feta Baked Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides, then arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, parsley, dill, green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until you have a cohesive, spreadable mixture with no cream cheese lumps.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spinach layer on each piece of chicken.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The cheese should be melted and golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.