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three golden pan-seared Mediterranean stuffed chicken breasts filled with spinach, feta, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes in a burst cherry tomato pan sauce.

Mediterranean Pan-Seared Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a vibrant filling of fresh baby spinach, savory feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, seared to a perfect golden crust and finished in a rustic cherry tomato pan sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • - 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for skillet
  • - 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • - 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • - 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • - 1 pinch salt to taste
  • - 1 pinch black pepper to taste
  • - 2 cups fresh baby spinach finely chopped
  • - 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • - 0.25 cup Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
  • - 0.25 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
  • - 1 clove fresh garlic minced
  • - 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • - 0.25 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken Pockets: Place chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Insert a sharp knife horizontally into the thickest part of each breast, cutting deep to create a pocket without slicing completely through to the other side.
  2. Season the Exterior: Drizzle the outside of the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over all sides of the chicken.
  3. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the chopped baby spinach, crumbled feta, chopped Kalamata olives, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic.
  4. Stuff and Close: Divide the filling equally into three portions and stuff them generously into the chicken pockets. Press the edges closed and secure tightly with 2-3 toothpicks per breast.
  5. Sear to Golden Brown: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear undisturbed for 5 minutes on each side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  6. Simmer with Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet around the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, carefully extract the toothpicks, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and spoon the warm pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

- Always use a digital thermometer to test the thickest part of the meat (not the filling) to ensure safety without overcooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3 minutes before slicing to lock in the savory juices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.