Name: Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained); ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure rolls); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Drizzle of lemon juice or a light cream sauce

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Indulge in the elegant simplicity of Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls. These savory roulades combine tender chicken breasts with a flavor-packed filling of wilted spinach and creamy feta, delivering a dish that’s as stunning on the plate as it is delicious on the palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or seeking a satisfying weeknight meal, these rolls elevate ordinary chicken to something extraordinary.

Table of Contents

**What Are Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls?**

Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been butterflied, pounded thin, and layered with a savory stuffing before being rolled into neat cylinders and cooked to golden perfection. Born from Mediterranean and Greek culinary traditions, these roulades showcase the harmonious pairing of tender poultry with earthy greens and tangy cheese. Learn more about the versatility of spinach in cooking and how its mild flavor complements robust fillings.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting perfect chicken rolls is all about sourcing quality components and balancing flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and fairly uniform in thickness
Fresh Spinach: Washed, stemmed, and lightly sautéed
Feta Cheese: Crumbly, briny, full-fat for best texture, read about feta cheese origins
Binding Agents: A beaten egg helps hold the filling together
Breadcrumbs: Optional for added structure (gluten-free options available)
Fresh Herbs: Such as oregano, thyme, or dill for Mediterranean flair
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
Olive Oil or Butter: For searing and baking
Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To secure the rolls during cooking

Equipment & Prep Work

Before you begin, gather the following tools for a seamless cooking experience:

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For precise butterflying
Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: To pound chicken evenly
Sauté Pan & Baking Dish: Choose an oven-safe skillet if you want to sear then bake in one vessel
Mixing Bowl: For combining spinach, feta, and herbs
Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate seasoning
Aluminum Foil: To tent the rolls as they rest

Mise en Place

Butterfly and Pound each chicken breast to about ¼-inch thickness.
Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Wilt Spinach in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil, then drain excess moisture.
Crumble Feta and combine with spinach and herbs.

Spinach and feta chicken rolls sliced on a white plate

Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking

1. Prep the Filling

Combine wilted spinach, crumbled feta, beaten egg, breadcrumbs (if using), chopped herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Assemble the Rolls

Lay each pounded chicken breast flat on your workspace.
Spoon an even layer of filling onto one end, leaving a small border.
Roll tightly, starting from the filling side, tucking in edges as you go.
Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

3. Sear for Color

Heat oil or butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Place rolls seam-side down and sear until golden brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).

4. Bake to Finish

Transfer skillet to a preheated 375 °F (190 °C) oven.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
Rest rolls for 5 minutes under foil to retain juices.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Elevate your meal with thoughtfully paired sides and sauces:

Side Dishes
- Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf
- Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sauce Options
- Lemon-Butter Sauce: Melt butter, add lemon juice and zest
- Creamy Tzatziki: Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill
Beverage Pairings
- Crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
- Sparkling water with a splash of citrus

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Flash-freeze assembled, uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags (up to 1 month).
Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10–12 minutes to prevent drying.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Overstuffing: Can cause filling to spill; use just enough to coat.
Undercooking: Always verify with a meat thermometer.
Dry Rolls: Let rest before slicing to redistribute juices.

Variations & Customizations

Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a briny twist.
Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta.
Protein Alternatives: Turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even portobello mushrooms for vegetarian rolls.
Spice It Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or za’atar seasoning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw thoroughly, squeeze out all moisture, and sauté as usual before mixing with feta.
How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling?
Secure tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine and sear seam-side down first.
What’s the best internal temperature?
Aim for 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the roll for safe, juicy chicken.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes—slice cooled rolls into medallions and pack with sides for balanced lunches.

Conclusion

Bringing together tender chicken, savory spinach, and creamy feta, these Rolls showcase the very best of Mediterranean-inspired comfort. From mastering the simple roulade technique to experimenting with vibrant variations—like sun-dried tomatoes or smoky spices—you now have a versatile recipe that shines at any table.