Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a culinary masterpiece that screams Mediterranean flavor? Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Stuffed Chicken with Tomatoes and Feta recipe that combines the tangy richness of feta, the burst of fresh cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked chicken in one irresistible dish. This Greek-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Aegean Sea!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the stuffed chicken.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures even cooking.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a space for the stuffing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the tomato and feta mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary, ensuring the filling stays inside while cooking.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a nice crust.
- Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks from the stuffed chicken breasts before serving. Plate the chicken and spoon any remaining juices from the skillet over the top for added flavor.
- Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of your choice, such as a Greek salad or roasted vegetables, to complete the meal.
Tips
- Choose chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing.
- Use a sharp knife when creating the pocket in the chicken to minimize tearing and maximize stuffing capacity.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Don't overstuff the chicken - leave a little room for the filling to expand during cooking.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to help redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to your tomato and feta mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
