Keto Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken: A Low-Carb Delight!
There’s something so comforting about a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast, especially when it’s filled with creamy, tangy feta cheese and nutritious spinach. If you're following a keto lifestyle, this Keto Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packs a punch of flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: Perfect for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake.
- High in protein: Keeps you full and supports your fitness goals.
- Packed with flavor: The spinach and feta filling adds a creamy, savory twist.
- Easy to customize: You can add your own flair with herbs or spices.
Let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant!
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we start, gather these simple ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil is a great choice for this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute avocado oil, which is more stable at high temperatures.
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Take each chicken breast and make a pocket cut: Use a sharp knife to cut horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside for a few minutes. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Then reduce heat to low and cook until cooked through. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix until fully combined.
- Divide the filling into four equal portions.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
- Gently spoon or press the filling into the pockets of the chicken breasts. You may use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed, but it’s not mandatory.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices and creates a beautiful crust.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move the chicken to the prepared baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 5: Serve
- After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken breast.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite low-carb sides like roasted asparagus, cauliflower mash, or a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the macro breakdown per chicken breast (serving size: 1 stuffed chicken breast):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Serving Size: 4 stuffed chicken breasts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Additional Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
- Use room temperature ingredients: Softened cream cheese blends better with the spinach and feta.
- Don’t overstuff: Overfilling the chicken can cause it to tear or leak during cooking.
- Toothpick hack: If you're worried about the filling spilling out, secure the pocket with toothpicks before cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Pan-searing adds flavor: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken before baking—it enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute the cheeses with a vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy effect.
FAQs About Keto Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and cook them fresh when you're ready.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
For a complete keto-friendly meal, pair it with roasted vegetables, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or a light cucumber and avocado salad.
3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water. Otherwise, your filling may become too watery.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.
5. Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe, and will cooking time be different?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly due to the thickness.
Friendly Closing
There you have it! This Keto Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or just looking for a wholesome, protein-packed meal, this recipe is a winner. I hope it becomes a staple in your weekly meal plan, just as it has in mine.
Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and this dish checks all the boxes. Let me know how it turns out for you—I’d love to hear about your variations or creative tweaks!
More Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are three more keto-friendly dishes to add to your list:
Garlic Butter Salmon with Zoodles
A light yet flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.Keto Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp
A low-carb take on a classic favorite, bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
Happy cooking! 😊