Mediterranean Delight Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner experience with these Mediterranean Delight Stuffed Chicken Thighs, a dish that beautifully combines the rich flavors of black olives, feta cheese, and aromatic spices. By rolling open juicy boneless chicken thighs and packing them with a delightful mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and toasted pine nuts, you create an irresistible meal that is both healthy and packed with flavor. Perfect for impressing your loved ones, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also makes for an elegant presentation at any dinner table. Serve alongside a light rice pilaf or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
6-9
black olives
4-5, minced (minced)
mushrooms
4-5, minced (minced)
pine nuts
1/8 cup (optional) (lightly toasted and minced)
feta cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled)
olive oil or sesame oil
1/8 cup
curry powder
1 tablespoon
oregano
2 tablespoons
black pepper
1 tablespoon
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (optional)
garlic clove
1, minced (minced)
baby spinach
1 cup, minced (minced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil (or sesame oil), curry powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Mix well with a fork until combined.
3
Pour the oil and spice mixture into a glass or ceramic baking dish, ensuring the bottom of the dish is coated evenly.
4
Rinse the boneless chicken thighs under cold water and gently flatten them with the palm of your hand or a meat mallet, being careful not to tear them.
5
Drag each side of the flattened thighs through the oil and spice mixture, then lay them flat in the prepared baking dish.
6
In a non-stick frying pan, lightly toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 1 minute until golden brown, then chop them finely.
7
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced spinach, toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, minced black olives, and minced mushrooms. Toss the ingredients together until well-mixed. This will be your stuffing.
8
Spoon a generous amount of the stuffing onto the center of each flattened chicken thigh.
9
Carefully roll each thigh around the stuffing to enclose it fully. Secure with toothpicks if necessary, and ensure the stuffing remains intact.
10
Place the stuffed thighs seam-side down in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
11
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice and a side of vegetables or salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Delight Stuffed Chicken Thighs?
This is a flavorful dish featuring boneless chicken thighs stuffed with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, black olives, mushrooms, and toasted pine nuts, seasoned with aromatic spices like curry and oregano.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You should use 6 to 9 boneless skinless chicken thighs for the best results, as they are easy to roll and stay juicy.
How do I prepare the chicken for stuffing?
Rinse the thighs under cold water and gently flatten them using the palm of your hand or a meat mallet, taking care not to tear the meat.
What is in the spice mixture for the chicken?
The spice mixture consists of olive oil or sesame oil, curry powder, oregano, black pepper, minced garlic, and optional cayenne pepper.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat for about 1 minute until they are golden brown, then chop them finely.
What ingredients make up the stuffing?
The stuffing is a combination of minced spinach, toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, minced black olives, and minced mushrooms.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the chicken.
How long does it take to cook stuffed chicken thighs?
The chicken should bake for 30 to 40 minutes until it reaches the proper internal temperature.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How do I keep the stuffing inside the chicken?
Carefully roll the chicken around the stuffing and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. You can also use toothpicks to secure them.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this dish is packed with protein and vegetables, and is noted as a healthy, low-carb option.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a light rice pilaf, a fresh salad, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Can I use sesame oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either olive oil or sesame oil to be used in the spice mixture.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it moist and makes it easier to serve.
Are the pine nuts mandatory?
No, the pine nuts are optional and can be omitted if you have an allergy or preference.
Is the cayenne pepper required?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional and should only be used if you want a bit of extra heat.
What kind of baking dish is best?
A glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 6-9 chicken thighs, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.
Can I use frozen spinach?
While the recipe calls for minced baby spinach, you could use frozen spinach if you thaw it and squeeze out all excess moisture first.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, such as chicken, vegetables, cheese, and spices, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
While feta provides the signature Mediterranean flavor, you could try goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives.
How do I ensure the chicken is coated evenly?
Drag each side of the flattened chicken thighs through the oil and spice mixture in the baking dish before adding the stuffing.
Can I make this for a dinner party?
Yes, the recipe is described as an elegant and impressive dish perfect for special occasions or family meals.
What is the texture of the stuffing?
The stuffing is a savory, crumbly, and slightly crunchy mixture thanks to the combination of feta and toasted pine nuts.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The recipe instructs you to pour the oil and spice mixture into the dish first, which helps coat the bottom and prevents sticking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
You can, but you would need to butterfly them to make them thin enough to roll, and they may require a different cooking time as they are leaner than thighs.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can mix the stuffing ingredients ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the chicken.
What is the best way to mince the mushrooms and olives?
You can use a sharp chef's knife to finely dice them, or a quick pulse in a food processor can also work.
Is this a low-carb meal?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as low-carb, making it suitable for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.