Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs

How to Make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Feta Stuffing

1. Cook the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
2. Add the Feta and Seasoning: Once the spinach is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Taste the stuffing and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

1. Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the chicken brown nicely when cooking. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit in the center of each thigh to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure not to cut all the way through the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). The seasoning helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken, complementing the stuffed filling.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Thighs

1. Stuff the Thighs: Using a spoon, fill each chicken thigh with the spinach and feta mixture. Be generous with the stuffing but be careful not to overstuff, as it might spill out during cooking. Once stuffed, gently press the opening of the chicken together to seal it.
2. Secure with Toothpicks (optional): If you’re worried about the stuffing spilling out, you can secure the opening of each chicken thigh with a toothpick to hold the filling in place during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Chicken Thighs

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken thighs to the pan, skin side down (or the top side if you’re using boneless thighs). Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown.
2. Bake the Chicken: Once the chicken thighs are browned on both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The filling should be hot and slightly melted, while the chicken will be tender and juicy.
3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
2. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the stuffing a vibrant flavor and texture. If you use frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all the moisture to prevent a soggy filling.
• Season Well: Make sure to season both the stuffing and the chicken well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Experiment with Other Cheeses: While feta cheese is traditional, you can swap it out with other cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can stuff the chicken thighs and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before searing and baking.
• Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding finely chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach filling.

Serving Ideas for Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it versatile enough to suit any occasion. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of roasted potatoes, carrots, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
• Rice Pilaf: A side of rice pilaf or quinoa is a great way to soak up any delicious juices from the chicken.
• Greek Salad: Serve the chicken with a fresh Greek salad, made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing.
• Pasta: A simple side of garlic butter pasta or orzo would complement the stuffed chicken perfectly.

Why You’ll Love Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs

• Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of spinach, feta cheese, and chicken thighs is a flavor-packed, healthy choice. The spinach provides vitamins and minerals, while the feta adds a creamy, tangy kick.
• Moist and Tender: Chicken thighs are naturally more tender and juicy than breasts, which means you get a moist, flavorful dish every time.
• Elegant and Impressive: This dish is easy to make, but it looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fine restaurant. Perfect for family dinners, dinner parties, or holiday meals.
• Customizable: You can tweak the stuffing to your preferences by adding extra herbs, vegetables, or different types of cheese, making this recipe versatile for any palate.

Conclusion

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs are the ultimate combination of savory flavors and tender chicken. The creamy, tangy feta mixed with the earthy spinach makes for an irresistible filling that perfectly complements the rich, juicy chicken thighs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease.

Try it today, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!