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

When I first created this recipe for rolled up chicken with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, I was inspired by the flavors of Mediterranean cooking. I wanted to prepare something comforting yet elegant, a dish that feels special but remains easy to make at home. Over time, it has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I need to serve a meal that looks impressive while still being practical. Every time I roll the tender chicken breasts around the creamy feta, vibrant spinach, and rich sun-dried tomatoes, I know I am preparing something both nourishing and delicious.

You will love this recipe because it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken turns golden and juicy in the oven, while the filling brings freshness, creaminess, and a gentle tang. Each bite has the right mix of protein, greens, and savory richness. It is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome.

This dish is also wonderfully versatile. You can serve it as the star of a weekday dinner or present it at a festive family gathering. Pair it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or even couscous for a lighter option. If you prefer a heartier meal, it goes beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. The rolled up chicken is also easy to slice and present attractively on a plate, which makes it ideal when you want to impress guests.

Another reason this recipe has a place in my kitchen is its affordability. The ingredients are easy to find in any supermarket, and you can often prepare the entire dish without spending much. Simple chicken breasts become a flavorful centerpiece when paired with spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients stretch far, turning an ordinary protein into something memorable. Even when cooking for a larger group, this recipe remains budget-friendly while still offering a gourmet feel.

When I prepare this dish, I always feel a sense of creativity. Rolling up the chicken with the colorful filling makes the cooking process more interactive and fun. It is satisfying to see the little bundles come together and even more rewarding when they come out of the oven golden and fragrant. This recipe truly combines ease, taste, and presentation in a way that makes cooking feel joyful rather than complicated.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the rolls

How to Prepare This Recipe

When I make rolled up chicken with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, I always start by preparing my ingredients ahead of time. Doing this makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. I find that when everything is chopped, seasoned, and laid out before I begin, the whole recipe comes together in a surprisingly short amount of time. The beauty of this dish is that, while it looks refined, the preparation is straightforward and does not require advanced skills.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden crust. While the oven warms up, I prepare the filling and the chicken breasts.

2. Prepare the filling. In a small bowl, I combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. I stir in dried oregano, which brings a warm, earthy aroma. This mixture becomes creamy and fragrant, ready to be tucked inside the chicken.

3. Flatten the chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking, I place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Flattening them to about 1 cm thickness makes rolling much easier and guarantees tenderness.

4. Season the chicken. I sprinkle both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Seasoning at this stage ensures flavor is locked into every bite.

5. Layer the filling. On each flattened breast, I lay a few fresh spinach leaves. Then I spoon the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture on top, spreading it gently but leaving a small border around the edges. This way, the filling stays inside while rolling.

6. Roll the chicken. Beginning at one end, I carefully roll each chicken breast into a tight bundle. I secure the rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine, making sure the filling remains tucked inside during cooking.

7. Sear the rolls. In an oven-safe skillet, I heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. I place the rolled chicken in the pan and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Searing creates a golden crust that locks in juices and builds flavor.

8. Bake the chicken. Once seared, I transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. The rolls bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. I always check by slicing into one roll or using a thermometer to ensure it reaches 75°C (165°F).

9. Rest and serve. After baking, I allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step keeps the juices inside and ensures tender meat. I then slice each roll into rounds, showing the spiral of spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Quick and Easy

One of the reasons I return to this recipe often is how quickly it comes together. Flattening the chicken takes just a few minutes, and the filling is mixed in seconds. Even the rolling process becomes easier with practice. From start to finish, I can have this dish prepared in under 45 minutes, which makes it perfect for both weeknight dinners and last-minute entertaining.

Customizable

I also appreciate how customizable this recipe is. If I do not have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, I sometimes replace them with roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor. If I prefer a lighter version, I reduce the amount of feta and add more spinach. For a richer variation, I can mix in cream cheese with the filling. Seasonings can also be adapted—sometimes I use fresh basil instead of oregano, or I add a pinch of chili flakes for heat. These small changes allow me to keep the recipe exciting and tailored to different tastes.

Popular with Many People

Whenever I serve rolled up chicken with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, it never fails to impress. The colorful filling makes the dish visually appealing, and the flavor combination pleases a wide variety of palates. Friends and family often ask me for the recipe, which confirms its popularity. Because the dish is both wholesome and satisfying, it works well for guests who prefer lighter meals as well as those who enjoy something heartier. It has become a reliable crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

I love how this recipe combines ease of preparation with a presentation that feels elegant. Rolling, stuffing, and slicing the chicken creates a dish that looks more complex than it actually is. Every time I prepare it, I am reminded of how rewarding it can be to serve a meal that is both practical and beautiful.

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FAQs

1. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling. This prevents the rolls from becoming soggy.

3. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer a milder flavor, ricotta or goat cheese works well. Both provide creaminess while complementing the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). Alternatively, you can cut into a roll and ensure the meat is no longer pink.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you check that any additional seasonings or packaged ingredients do not contain gluten.

6. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

7. Can I freeze these chicken rolls?
Yes. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.