Spicy Feta & Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Discover a delightful blend of flavors with these Spicy Feta & Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Juicy, tender chicken is filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, crumbled feta, and vibrant jalapeños, providing a delicious kick that's perfect for any meal. This recipe guarantees satisfaction and often leaves everyone coming back for seconds. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, serve it alongside savory garlic rice smothered in marinara sauce. A dish so tasty, it's no wonder my boyfriend took the leftovers to work! Trust me, you'll want to make this again and again.
4
Servings
450
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ricotta Cheese
1 cup (n/a)
Feta Cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Chopped Hot Peppers
1/2 cup ((I used pickled red jalapeños))
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Pam Cooking Spray
as needed (n/a)
Flattened Chicken Breasts
4 (pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
Toothpick
as needed (n/a)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for brushing and frying)
Rice
2 cups (uncooked)
Onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3 (sliced)
Spaghetti Sauce
2 cups (of your preference)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, feta, chopped hot peppers, oregano, basil, and black pepper until well blended.
3
Divide the mixture into two separate bowls. To one bowl, add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly.
4
Lightly spray a large glass baking dish with Pam cooking spray.
5
Take each flattened chicken breast and evenly spoon 1/4 of the egg mixture onto the center of the breast. Fold the sides over the filling and secure the top with one or two toothpicks. Don’t worry if it gets messy!
6
Brush a little olive oil on top of each stuffed chicken breast to help them brown in the oven.
7
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
8
While the chicken is baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
9
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
10
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
11
Pour in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.
12
Mix 1/2 cup of the simmering sauce into the cooked rice for added flavor.
13
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. In the same baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom, then layer the remaining cheese mixture over it.
14
Place the baked chicken breasts on top of the rice and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to warm through.
15
To serve, scoop a portion of rice and a stuffed chicken breast onto each plate, generously drizzling with the remaining sauce.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
47.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used is four chicken breasts, flattened to about 1/2-inch thickness.
What types of cheese are used for the stuffing?
The stuffing uses a combination of one cup of ricotta cheese and one cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How do you prepare the chicken breasts before stuffing them?
The chicken breasts should be pounded to a 1/2-inch thickness to make them easier to fold and cook evenly.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing the chicken inside.
How long does the chicken bake initially?
The chicken should bake for about 25 minutes or until the juices run clear.
What spices and herbs are added to the cheese mixture?
The mixture includes 1/2 teaspoon each of oregano, basil, and black pepper.
How do you secure the stuffing inside the chicken?
Fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure the top using one or two toothpicks.
Is there a specific type of pepper recommended for the filling?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of chopped hot peppers, specifically mentioning pickled red jalapeños.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
One beaten egg is mixed into half of the cheese mixture to help bind the stuffing for the chicken.
What side dish is prepared to accompany the chicken?
The chicken is served with two cups of rice that is flavored with sautéed onion, garlic, and spaghetti sauce.
How are the onions and garlic prepared for the sauce?
The onion is chopped and sautéed until translucent, and the garlic is sliced and sautéed until fragrant.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need 2 cups of your preferred spaghetti sauce for the rice and for drizzling over the final dish.
What is the final step in the oven?
After the initial bake, place the chicken on a bed of rice and cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes to warm through.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 47.5g of carbohydrates, and 22.5g of protein.
Should I use oil on the chicken breasts?
Yes, brush a little olive oil on top of the chicken before baking to help them brown nicely.
Can I use Pam cooking spray for this recipe?
Yes, lightly spray a large glass baking dish with Pam before placing the chicken inside.
What should I do with the leftovers?
The recipe notes that the leftovers are excellent for taking to work the next day.
What do I do if the stuffing process gets messy?
The recipe advises not to worry if it gets messy while folding the chicken breasts; they will still cook perfectly.
Is the rice mixed with anything before the final assembly?
Yes, mix 1/2 cup of the simmering spaghetti sauce into the cooked rice for added flavor.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Chicken Breast'.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include chicken, spicy, jalapeno, feta, stuffed chicken, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How is the cheese layered at the end?
Spread the cooked rice in the dish and layer the remaining cheese mixture (the portion without the egg) over it.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil, used for both brushing the chicken and frying the onions.
What is the total preparation and cook time indirectly implied?
While prep time varies, the active baking time is 35 minutes (25 for chicken and 10 for the final assembly).
Is the onion sautéed separately?
Yes, the onion is sautéed in a skillet with olive oil for about 5 minutes before adding the garlic.
Can I use any type of rice?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of uncooked rice; you can use your preferred variety prepared according to package instructions.
How do you serve the final dish?
Scoop a portion of the rice and a chicken breast onto a plate and drizzle generously with the remaining spaghetti sauce.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
The heat comes from the 1/2 cup of chopped hot peppers mixed into the cheese stuffing.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 sliced garlic cloves.