Mediterranean Magic: Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
There’s something truly magical about transforming simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. This rolled up chicken with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes is exactly that kind of recipe – one that elevates your dinner table from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
The Mediterranean diet has long been celebrated for its emphasis on fresh vegetables, quality cheeses, and lean proteins, and this dish embodies all those principles in one spectacular presentation. When you slice into these golden, herb-crusted chicken rolls, you’re greeted with a beautiful spiral of vibrant green spinach, creamy white feta cheese, and ruby-red sun-dried tomatoes that create a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how it combines the comfort of home cooking with the sophistication of fine dining. The technique of butterflying and rolling chicken breast might seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly straightforward once you understand the process. The key is patience and proper preparation – taking the time to pound the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and makes rolling much easier.
The filling combination is where this dish truly shines. Fresh spinach provides a mild, earthy base that pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy feta cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of concentrated flavor and a chewy texture that creates wonderful contrast against the tender chicken and soft cheese. Together, these ingredients create a harmony of Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to a sun-drenched Greek terrace.
From a nutritional standpoint, this dish is a powerhouse. Chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and growth. Spinach delivers iron, vitamins A and K, and folate, while feta cheese contributes calcium and probiotics. The sun-dried tomatoes offer lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and may have cancer-fighting properties.
The cooking method – searing followed by oven finishing – ensures that the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust while remaining juicy and tender inside. This technique also helps seal in the filling, preventing it from leaking out during cooking. The result is a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
This recipe is perfect for entertaining because much of the preparation can be done in advance. You can assemble the rolls earlier in the day, refrigerate them, and then simply sear and bake when your guests arrive. The presentation never fails to impress, making it ideal for dinner parties, romantic dinners, or special family celebrations.
The versatility of this dish is another reason to love it. While the Mediterranean combination of feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes is absolutely divine, you can easily adapt the filling to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Try goat cheese with herbs, mozzarella with basil and cherry tomatoes, or even a mixture of cream cheese with herbs and roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season both sides of flattened chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, rubbing the seasonings in gently.
- In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- Lay spinach leaves evenly over each chicken breast, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for easier rolling.
- Divide the feta mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, spreading it over the spinach layer.
- Starting from the narrower end, carefully roll each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent filling from escaping.
- Secure each roll with 3-4 toothpicks, spacing them evenly along the length of the roll.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam.
- Sprinkle rolled chicken with paprika and garlic powder, then sear each roll for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown all around.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange sliced rolls on serving plates, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Rolled Up Chicken with Feta, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
- Season flattened chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil on both sides.
- Combine crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Layer spinach leaves over each chicken breast, leaving 1-inch border around edges.
- Divide feta mixture evenly over spinach layer on each chicken breast.
- Roll chicken tightly from narrow end, tucking sides in. Secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil and butter in oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle rolls with paprika and garlic powder, then sear 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, slice into rounds and serve with fresh herbs.
Notes
The beauty of this dish extends beyond its taste to its presentation possibilities. When you slice the rolls, each piece reveals that gorgeous spiral pattern that makes every serving look like a work of art. This visual appeal makes it perfect for photographing and sharing on social media, where food presentation plays such an important role.
For wine pairing, consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the Mediterranean flavors. The acidity in these wines cuts through the richness of the feta while enhancing the brightness of the tomatoes and herbs.
Storage is simple – leftover rolls can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated gently in the oven. They also freeze well for up to three months, making this an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknight dinners.
This rolled up chicken with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes represents everything wonderful about Mediterranean cuisine – fresh, healthy ingredients combined in a way that creates something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a recipe that brings people together around the table, creating memories while nourishing both body and soul.
