If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors, this Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Juicy chicken breasts get a beautiful golden sear before being topped with vibrant spinach and tangy feta cheese, then baked to perfection. The best part is how effortless it is to prepare while delivering a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that feels like a special treat any night of the week. This recipe truly proves that quick, wholesome dinners can be packed with incredible flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to the Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but work wonderfully together to create a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and colorful. Each component plays a vital role, balancing the richness of the chicken and feta with the earthy brightness of the spinach and a little aromatic seasoning.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up flavors beautifully and stays moist with proper cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds essential healthy fats and helps create a golden brown crust during searing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that adds Mediterranean flair and pairs perfectly with feta.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every element in the recipe.
- 1 cup chopped spinach: Freshness and a slight earthy taste plus a beautiful pop of green color.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: The star ingredient that adds creamy tang and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional): A finishing drizzle that introduces a sweet and tangy layer to the dish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken finishes cooking evenly and the cheese melts perfectly. While the oven warms, pat your chicken breasts dry so they sear beautifully in the pan later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
In a skillet heated over medium heat, add the olive oil and let it warm. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until each piece develops a golden brown crust. This step locks in the juices, creating juicy and flavorful chicken throughout.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Feta Toppings
Once seared, transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish. Generously top each breast with chopped spinach, letting it spread out nicely, and then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. This combination not only looks appealing but introduces a fantastic contrast of creaminess and freshness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe and juicy. During this time, the flavors meld, spinach wilts just right, and feta softens into a luscious topping.
Step 5: Add a Final Touch
When the chicken is done baking, consider drizzling it with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This step is optional, but the sweet and tangy notes from the vinegar elevate the entire dish, balancing out the rich feta and savory chicken perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or oregano, add a burst of color and a hint of freshness that enhances the dish’s Mediterranean vibe. You might also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Consider fluffy couscous, a crisp Greek salad, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. These choices keep the meal balanced and brighten the overall plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or to impress guests, serve the chicken over a bed of herbed quinoa or alongside warm pita bread. Drizzling extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon over everything just before serving adds beautiful shine and an inviting aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if you want to prep ahead. Wrap each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within 2-3 months for optimal taste. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes so the chicken stays moist and the feta regains some of its creaminess. You can also microwave, but cover the chicken to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Fresh garlic will add a sharper, more robust flavor. Mince 1-2 cloves and sauté with the olive oil before searing the chicken to infuse more aroma.
Is feta cheese necessary for this recipe?
While feta adds the iconic tang and creaminess that defines this dish, you can substitute with goat cheese or even ricotta for a milder flavor. However, feta remains a favorite for its unique character.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The spinach still offers freshness, and the well-seasoned chicken carries the dish’s essence beautifully.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! After searing the chicken in a regular skillet, transfer it to a baking dish to add spinach and feta before placing it in the oven. Just be sure the pan or dish is safe for baking.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, make sure juices run clear when cutting into the thickest part and the meat is no longer pink.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe enough for anyone craving a tasty, straightforward dinner with Mediterranean flair. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your household—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Chicken Breast with Feta and Spinach recipe offers a flavorful, healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared for a golden crust, and baked topped with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown, helping to lock in flavor and juices.
- Transfer and Top: Move the seared chicken breasts into an oven-safe dish. Evenly distribute the chopped spinach over each piece, then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top to melt during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and, if desired, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Using fresh spinach is recommended for optimal texture and flavor, but frozen spinach can be substituted if drained well.
- The balsamic vinegar topping is optional but adds a pleasant tangy sweetness.
- For a crispier top, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
