Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe: Mediterranean Magic in Every Bite

I have to tell you, when I first tried this Greek stuffed chicken, I was completely blown away by how such simple ingredients could create something so spectacular. The combination of tender chicken filled with vibrant Mediterranean flavors transformed my usual weeknight dinner routine into something extraordinary. 

If you love Mediterranean-inspired dinners, you can also enjoy the Easy Weeknight Lasagna Naan Pizzas Recipe for another comforting twist. After making this recipe dozens of times, I can confidently say it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part is watching my family’s faces light up when they cut into the chicken and discover all those delicious layers inside. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why Greek cuisine has captured hearts around the world.

Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe brings together classic Mediterranean ingredients that work beautifully together:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Use good quality olive oil since it’s a key flavor component. The fruity notes will enhance the overall dish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Always squeeze your own lemons rather than using bottled juice. Fresh citrus brightens all the flavors and adds that authentic Greek taste.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish – Fresh dill is essential here. Dried dill lacks the bright, aromatic quality that makes this dish sing.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish – Flat-leaf parsley works best. It’s more flavorful than curly parsley and holds up better during cooking.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is non-negotiable. Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t give you the same punch of flavor.
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Season generously. Chicken breast needs proper seasoning to reach its full potential.
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts – Choose evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking. Pound them lightly if they’re very thick.
  • 1 zucchini, halved and thinly sliced – The key is paper-thin slices. A mandoline slicer makes this job much easier and ensures even cooking.
  • 2 medium tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced – Choose firm, ripe tomatoes. Roma tomatoes work particularly well because they have less water content.
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced into half moons – Red onion adds color and a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • 2 lemons, halved and thinly sliced – Yes, you’ll be stuffing lemon slices inside! Remove any seeds first, but leave the peel for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – Buy block feta and crumble it yourself. Pre-crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Fresh mozzarella works wonderfully, but regular shredded mozzarella is perfectly fine and melts beautifully.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously.

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different dietary needs and preferences:

  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace the feta with dairy-free feta alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella. You’ll still get that tangy, cheesy flavor.
  • Herb Variations: Swap dill for fresh oregano or basil. Each herb brings its own Mediterranean flair to the dish.
  • Vegetable Additions: Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumber ribbons, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean authenticity.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese works beautifully in place of feta, while provolone or white cheddar can substitute for mozzarella.
  • Protein Variations: This stuffing mixture works equally well with pork chops or turkey cutlets if you prefer alternatives to chicken.

For another fun twist on comfort food, you might enjoy the Pull Apart Street Corn Dip Sliders Recipe that’s equally crowd-pleasing.

Credit (delish.com)

Cooking Time

Here’s the time breakdown for this recipe:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes this recipe much easier to execute:

  • Sharp knife – Essential for making clean slits in the chicken without cutting through completely
  • Cutting board – A large board gives you plenty of space to work with the chicken safely
  • Small baking sheet – Perfect size for four chicken breasts without overcrowding
  • Small mixing bowl – For whisking together the olive oil mixture
  • Mandoline slicer (optional) – Makes slicing vegetables paper-thin much easier and more consistent
  • Whisk – For combining the oil, lemon juice, and herbs evenly

How to Make Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Creating this masterpiece is easier than you might think when you break it down into manageable steps.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then place your chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make five parallel slits in each breast, spacing them about half an inch apart. The trick is cutting about three-quarters of the way through the chicken without breaking through the bottom. This creates pockets that will hold all your delicious fillings while keeping the chicken intact during cooking.

Make the Herb Oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and minced garlic until well combined. This fragrant mixture will infuse the chicken with incredible Mediterranean flavors and help keep it moist during baking. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to work some of it into each slit with your fingers or a small spoon.

Season and Stuff

Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, both on top and in the slits. Now comes the fun part – stuffing each breast with your prepared vegetables. Alternate between zucchini slices, tomato slices, red onion pieces, and thin lemon slices, creating beautiful layers in each pocket. The vegetables should fit snugly but not be packed too tightly.

Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top of each stuffed chicken breast, followed by the shredded mozzarella. The combination of these two cheeses creates the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors that will melt beautifully during baking. Don’t worry if some cheese falls onto the baking sheet – it will create delicious crispy bits.

Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside. The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the vegetables should be tender. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve discovered several tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing:

  • I always pound my chicken breasts to an even thickness before making the slits. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to create uniform pockets.
  • When slicing the vegetables, I keep them in ice water to maintain crispness until I’m ready to use them. This prevents wilting and keeps colors vibrant.
  • I’ve learned to pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels before stuffing them into the chicken. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
  • For extra flavor, I sometimes marinate the chicken in the herb oil mixture for 30 minutes before stuffing and baking.
  • I always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken breast can become dry, so this ensures perfect results every time.

If you’re in the mood for a more veggie-forward dish, the Easy Skillet Pizza with Brussels and Bacon Recipe makes a fantastic side option for family dinners.

How to Serve Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

This stunning dish deserves an equally impressive presentation. Slice each chicken breast at an angle to showcase the beautiful layers of vegetables and melted cheese inside. Arrange the slices on individual plates or a large serving platter, and garnish with fresh dill and parsley sprigs for a pop of color.

Serve alongside traditional Greek sides like lemon roasted potatoes, a simple village salad with cucumbers and tomatoes, or warm pita bread with tzatziki. A glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Pinot Grigio complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of orzo pasta or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs.

Credit (delish.com)

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides excellent nutritional value while remaining delicious:

  • Calories: Approximately 380 per serving, making it a satisfying yet reasonable main course
  • Protein: About 42 grams per serving from the chicken and cheese, perfect for muscle maintenance and satiety
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 12 grams per serving, primarily from the vegetables, keeping it relatively low-carb
  • Fat: Around 18 grams per serving from the olive oil and cheese, providing healthy fats and flavor

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe offers excellent flexibility for meal planning and storage.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Storage: Leftover cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken rubbery and unevenly heated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek stuffed chicken recipe has everything you could want in a weeknight dinner.

  • Simple Yet Impressive: The recipe uses basic techniques and common ingredients but creates a restaurant-quality dish that looks incredibly sophisticated on the plate.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil, this meal satisfies without guilt while providing excellent nutritional value.
  • Customizable for Everyone: Whether you need dairy-free options, want to add different vegetables, or prefer alternative herbs, this recipe adapts beautifully to various dietary needs and preferences.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: The stunning presentation when sliced makes this ideal for dinner parties, yet it’s simple enough for family weeknight meals.
  • Minimal Cleanup Required: Using just one baking sheet means less washing up, while the incredible flavors make it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen.

This Greek stuffed chicken recipe proves that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly magical. The Mediterranean flavors transport you straight to a sunny Greek taverna, while the practical preparation keeps it grounded in weeknight reality.

Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Greek Stuffed Chicken Recipe

I have to tell you, when I first tried this Greek stuffed chicken, I was completely blown away by how such simple ingredients could create something so spectacular. The combination of tender chicken filled with vibrant Mediterranean flavors transformed my usual weeknight dinner routine into something extraordinary.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Use good quality olive oil since it’s a key flavor component. The fruity notes will enhance the overall dish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Always squeeze your own lemons rather than using bottled juice. Fresh citrus brightens all the flavors and adds that authentic Greek taste.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill plus extra for garnish – Fresh dill is essential here. Dried dill lacks the bright, aromatic quality that makes this dish sing.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish – Flat-leaf parsley works best. It’s more flavorful than curly parsley and holds up better during cooking.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – Fresh garlic is non-negotiable. Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t give you the same punch of flavor.
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Season generously. Chicken breast needs proper seasoning to reach its full potential.
  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts – Choose evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking. Pound them lightly if they’re very thick.
  • 1 zucchini halved and thinly sliced – The key is paper-thin slices. A mandoline slicer makes this job much easier and ensures even cooking.
  • 2 medium tomatoes halved and thinly sliced – Choose firm, ripe tomatoes. Roma tomatoes work particularly well because they have less water content.
  • 1/2 red onion sliced into half moons – Red onion adds color and a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • 2 lemons halved and thinly sliced – Yes, you’ll be stuffing lemon slices inside! Remove any seeds first, but leave the peel for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – Buy block feta and crumble it yourself. Pre-crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Fresh mozzarella works wonderfully but regular shredded mozzarella is perfectly fine and melts beautifully.

Method
 

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then place your chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make five parallel slits in each breast, spacing them about half an inch apart. The trick is cutting about three-quarters of the way through the chicken without breaking through the bottom. This creates pockets that will hold all your delicious fillings while keeping the chicken intact during cooking.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and minced garlic until well combined. This fragrant mixture will infuse the chicken with incredible Mediterranean flavors and help keep it moist during baking. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to work some of it into each slit with your fingers or a small spoon.
  3. Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, both on top and in the slits. Now comes the fun part – stuffing each breast with your prepared vegetables. Alternate between zucchini slices, tomato slices, red onion pieces, and thin lemon slices, creating beautiful layers in each pocket. The vegetables should fit snugly but not be packed too tightly.
  4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top of each stuffed chicken breast, followed by the shredded mozzarella. The combination of these two cheeses creates the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors that will melt beautifully during baking. Don’t worry if some cheese falls onto the baking sheet – it will create delicious crispy bits.
  5. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside. The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the vegetables should be tender. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • I always pound my chicken breasts to an even thickness before making the slits. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to create uniform pockets.
  • When slicing the vegetables, I keep them in ice water to maintain crispness until I’m ready to use them. This prevents wilting and keeps colors vibrant.
  • I’ve learned to pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels before stuffing them into the chicken. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
  • For extra flavor, I sometimes marinate the chicken in the herb oil mixture for 30 minutes before stuffing and baking.
  • I always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken breast can become dry, so this ensures perfect results every time.

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