Name: Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Turkey can be a lean alternative.); 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Swiss chard or kale work well as substitutes.); 1 cup Feta Cheese, Crumbled (Goat cheese offers a different yet delightful taste.); 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped (Fresh tomatoes can be used but may alter the dish's moisture.); 2 cloves Garlic, Minced (Garlic powder can fill in if short (1 teaspoon).); 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Feel free to swap for Italian seasoning.); to taste pinch Salt and Pepper (Essential for enhancing flavors.); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Consider avocado oil or butter as alternatives.); 1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option.)

As I grabbed my trusty frying pan one hectic weeknight, I wished for a meal that could whisk me away to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, leaving the chaos of the day behind. That’s when I stumbled upon this Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a quick-prep wonder that takes just 15 minutes of your time, making it the ultimate dinner recipe for busy evenings. The layers of creamy feta, vibrant spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that will delight everyone at your table. Plus, it’s extremely adaptable for meal prep, allowing you to savor gourmet flavors without the fuss. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a Mediterranean-inspired meal that will have your taste buds dancing?

Why is this chicken recipe a must-try?

Simplicity: With just a 15-minute prep time and only a few ingredients, whipping up this dish is a breeze.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy feta, fresh spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes creates a deliciously vibrant taste that transports you to the Mediterranean.

Weeknight Friendly: Perfect for busy evenings, this meal cooks in under an hour, making it a go-to for satisfying dinners.

Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap in your favorites—try goat cheese or add olives for an extra twist that can match your palate.

Meal Prep Hero: Prepare the filling ahead of time and keep your week organized. Plus, check out other delicious options like Cilantro Lime Chicken for a fun variety!

Your family will love the presentation and flavor, making this dish a surefire crowd-pleaser at your table.

Rolled Up Chicken Ingredients

• Let’s gather everything for our Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes!

For the Filling

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – A juicy main protein source; turkey can be a lean alternative.
Fresh Spinach – Provides a pop of color and nutrition; Swiss chard or kale work well as substitutes.
Feta Cheese, Crumbled – The creamy, tangy flavor that elevates your dish; goat cheese offers a different yet delightful taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped – Adds sweetness and a unique texture; fresh tomatoes can be used but may alter the dish’s moisture.
Garlic, Minced – Elevates the overall flavor profile; garlic powder can fill in if you’re short (1 teaspoon).
Dried Oregano – The Mediterranean aroma brings everything together; feel free to swap it for Italian seasoning.
Salt and Pepper, to Taste – Essential for enhancing flavors.

For Cooking

Olive Oil – Adds richness while cooking; consider avocado oil or butter as alternatives.
Chicken Broth – Keeps the chicken moist during baking; vegetable broth works wonderfully for a vegetarian option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your workspace. This step ensures that your Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden-brown crust. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and equipment for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that every bite of your filling has the perfect balance of flavors. This vibrant mixture is the star of your rolled chicken, providing that Mediterranean-inspired taste you’re after.

Step 3: Flatten Chicken
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This step not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also makes it easier to roll. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure tenderness throughout.

Step 4: Assemble Rolls
Lay out each flattened chicken breast on your workspace. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach filling along one edge of each breast. Carefully roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure the roll using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything cozy inside. These beautifully rolled pieces are the essence of your Rolled Up Chicken dish.

Step 5: Sear Chicken
Heat a splash of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Sear each roll for 3-4 minutes until they turn a delightful golden brown on all sides, ensuring a delicious crust that seals in the flavors.

Step 6: Bake Chicken
Once the chicken is nicely seared, pour in the chicken broth around the rolls, which helps keep them moist during baking. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 7: Rest & Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the Rolled Up Chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy chicken! After resting, slice each roll into bite-sized pieces to reveal the colorful filling. Serve and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors at your dining table!

What to Serve with Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

There’s nothing quite like a delightful meal that makes your taste buds dance, and this chicken dish can be beautifully complemented with the right sides.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, soaking up any delicious juices from the dish.
Garlic Roasted Broccoli: The savory crunch of roasted broccoli adds a vibrant green contrast and balances your plate beautifully.
Couscous Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: This light and fluffy salad uplifts the Mediterranean flavors, offering a zesty, refreshing twist that matches the chicken’s richness.
Herbed Quinoa: A wholesome side that brings nutty flavors and a delightful chew, quinoa makes a healthy base while enhancing the Mediterranean theme.
Tzatziki Sauce: The cool, creamy yogurt dip acts as a perfect complement, adding brightness to every bite of your chicken roll.
Light White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance your meal with its refreshing acidity, perfectly offsetting the richness of the chicken.
Arugula and Tomato Salad: This peppery salad, dressed lightly, brings a fresh crunch to the table and rounds out the meal with its vibrant colors and flavors.
Dessert – Baklava: To sweeten your dinner, serve a slice of flaky baklava, which echoes the Mediterranean theme and provides a splendid finish to the meal. (Optional)

Rolled Up Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute feta with cashew cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a creamy, plant-based option.
Vegetable Boost: Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts to the filling for additional flavor and texture.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the Mediterranean vibe by incorporating fresh basil or dill into your filling mix.
Cheese Change: Swap feta for ricotta for a milder, creamier taste that still pairs beautifully with chicken.
Gluten-Free: Ensure you use gluten-free toothpicks or skip them altogether and use kitchen twine for securing the rolls.
Mediterranean Twist: Mix in chopped kalamata olives for a savory, briny bite that complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes.
Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a zesty kick that adds warmth and excitement to each bite.
Flavorful Marinade: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before assembling for an extra layer of flavor that permeates every morsel.

With these delicious variations in mind, feel free to get creative! And if you love Mediterranean-inspired meals, why not give this Ponzu Chicken Rice a try next? Your culinary journey awaits!

Expert Tips for Rolled Up Chicken

Even Thickness: Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to a consistent 1/2 inch for even cooking, preventing dry edges while keeping the inside juicy.
Flavorful Filling: Mix the spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly so each bite of your Rolled Up Chicken is bursting with delicious Mediterranean flavor.
Searing Perfection: Don’t rush the searing step; it creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
Rest for Juiciness: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in moisture and enhance the texture of your dish.
Prep Ahead: Consider preparing the filling a day in advance to streamline your cooking process on busy weeknights.

Make Ahead Options

These Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their weeknight dinners! You can prepare the filling—combining spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and oregano—up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. For added convenience, the assembled rolls can be prepped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. To maintain quality, ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. When ready to enjoy, just sear and bake as directed, allowing for those delightful Mediterranean flavors to shine through without any extra fuss!

How to Store and Freeze Rolled Up Chicken

Fridge: Store cooked Rolled Up Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the flavors remain vibrant.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the Rolled Up Chicken.

Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken breasts, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results before proceeding with the recipe. Make sure they’re fully thawed to ensure even cooking throughout.

How should I choose ripe ingredients for the filling?
Look for fresh spinach that is bright green and crisp, avoiding any leaves that appear wilted or slimy. For the sun-dried tomatoes, opt for those that are plump and not overly dry, as they’ll provide a sweeter burst of flavor. When selecting feta, a creamy texture with a crumbly quality signals freshness.

What are the best storage methods and duration for leftovers?
Store any leftover Rolled Up Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to keep it whole rather than sliced, as this helps retain moisture. To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead. Simply combine all the filling ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, just follow the recipe as usual; this will save you time on busy evenings while still delivering that delicious Mediterranean flavor.

What should I do if my chicken turns out dry?
If you find your chicken is dry, next time try the following: pound the chicken to an even thickness and avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this keeps the meat juicy by redistributing the juices.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
For gluten-free diets, this Rolled Up Chicken is naturally flourless. If you have dairy allergies, consider using a dairy-free feta substitute or omitting the cheese altogether for equally delicious results! Always check the ingredient labels of any prepared items, like chicken broth, to ensure they’re free from allergens.