Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

This involtino chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of succulent chicken, rich cheese, and vibrant spinach. The dish is beautifully wrapped and baked to perfection. It's a simple yet impressive dish to serve at dinner parties or just a regular family dinner.

Photos of Chicken Involtino Recipe

The feta cheese and fat-free ricotta used in this recipe may not be a regular item in your pantry. These are essential to add a creamy, tangy touch to the filling. Also, fresh dill and scallions provide a unique flavor contrast. You can easily find these ingredients in any supermarket's dairy and produce sections respectively.

Ingredients for Involtino Chicken

Cooking spray: Used to prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion, garlic, and scallions.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the filling.

Garlic: Enhances the depth of flavor.

Scallions: Offers a mild onion flavor.

Spinach: Provides a healthy green touch.

Parsley: Gives a fresh herbaceous taste.

Dill: Adds a distinct aromatic flavor.

Feta cheese: Gives a tangy and creamy texture.

Ricotta: Adds creaminess to the filling.

Chicken breast cutlets: The main protein of this dish.

Egg: Helps to bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

Breadcrumbs: Gives a crunchy coating to the chicken roll.

One reader, Fey Longo says:

This involtino chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of spinach, feta, and ricotta creates a burst of flavors that's simply irresistible. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, and the crispy breadcrumb coating adds the perfect crunch. It's a must-try for anyone looking to impress with a delicious and healthy meal.

Fey Longo

Mastering the Techniques for Involtino Chicken

How to prepare the spinach mixture: Sauté onions, garlic, and scallions in a skillet, then add spinach, parsley, dill, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, then mix in feta and ricotta cheese.

How to roll the chicken: Place about ¼ cup of spinach mixture in the center of each chicken cutlet, then roll the chicken, laying the seam side down on a platter or piece of wax paper.

How to bread the chicken: Dip the chicken rolls into an egg and water mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs before placing them seam side down on a baking sheet.

How to bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then bake the chicken for about 25 minutes or until cooked through.

How to air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, spray both sides of the chicken with oil, then cook in two batches for 12 minutes, turning halfway.

How To Make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this crispy stuffed chicken packed with sauteed spinach and ricotta. Works for both the oven or airfryer.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

cooking spray,or oil mister
1tspolive oil
½medium onion,chopped
2clovesgarlic,minced
¼cupscallions,chopped
10ozfrozen chopped spinach,(1 package), thawed and juice squeezed out
¼cupparsley,chopped
1tbspfresh dill
½cupFeta cheese,(2.5 oz) crumbled
⅓cupfat free ricotta
¼tspkosher salt and pepper,plus more to taste
1.5lbschicken breast cutlets,thin, skinless
1large egg
1tbspwater
½cupwhole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions

Oven:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with spray.
Heat the oil in a medium skillet. Add onions, garlic, and scallions and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add spinach, parsley, dill, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper, then cook for another 1 minute or until heated through.
Remove from heat and mix in the feta and ricotta cheese.
Season chicken lightly with more kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Place about ¼ cup of spinach mixture in the center of the chicken and roll, then lay the chicken seam side down on a platter or piece of wax paper. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Place the breadcrumbs in another bowl.
Dip the chicken rolls into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, and place them seam side down on the baking sheet.
Repeat with the remainder then lightly spray to the top of the chicken with cooking spray.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Air Fryer:

Follow the same steps.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray both sides of the chicken with oil. Cook, in two batches for 12 minutes, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Calories: 261.69kcal
Fat: 14.69g
Saturated Fat: 5.02g
Trans Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.92g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.65g
Carbohydrates: 8.66g
Fiber: 1.38g
Sugar: 1.39g
Protein: 23.18g
Cholesterol: 91.29mg
Sodium: 296.75mg
Calcium: 136.32mg
Potassium: 457.16mg
Iron: 2.33mg
Vitamin A: 230.48µg
Vitamin C: 13.84mg

One Simple Trick for Perfecting Your Involtino

When preparing the chicken involtini, ensure that you roll the chicken tightly around the spinach and cheese mixture. This helps to keep the filling inside the chicken while it cooks. If you're having trouble keeping the chicken rolled, you can use toothpicks to secure them. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving. Additionally, when dipping the chicken rolls into the egg mixture and breadcrumbs, ensure a thorough coating for a crispy, golden brown finish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish

Prep ahead: Prepare the spinach and cheese filling the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to chop the onions, garlic, scallions, and herbs quickly and efficiently.

Pound the chicken: Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness before filling and rolling. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and reduce cooking time.

Air fryer option: Consider using an air fryer for a quicker cooking time and a crispy texture.

Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Involtino Recipe

cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil spray: Olive oil spray is a healthier alternative to cooking spray and provides a similar non-stick function.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a milder flavor, making it a great substitute for olive oil in cooking.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for scallions in recipes.
frozen chopped spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be used as a substitute for frozen spinach, providing a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the dish.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.
fresh dill - Substitute with tarragon: Tarragon has a similar anise-like flavor to dill and can be used as a substitute in recipes.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor similar to feta and can be used as a substitute in recipes.
fat free ricotta - Substitute with low-fat cottage cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta, providing a similar creamy texture with less fat.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
chicken breast cutlets - Substitute with turkey breast cutlets: Turkey breast cutlets can be used as a substitute for chicken, providing a lean and flavorful alternative.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs in recipes, providing binding properties.
whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for whole wheat breadcrumbs, providing a lighter and crispier texture to the dish.

Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Involtino Chicken, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the Involtino Chicken to stand out. Use a large, white plate to create a clean canvas for the dish.
Utilize height and layers: Stack the Involtino Chicken rolls on top of each other to create a visually stunning presentation. This adds dimension and elegance to the dish.
Garnish with precision: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest and chopped herbs on top of the Involtino Chicken to enhance the flavors and provide a sophisticated finishing touch.
Consider the plate shape: Choose a plate with a unique shape or design to complement the presentation of the Involtino Chicken. Opt for a plate that allows the chicken rolls to be the focal point of the dish.
Use complementary side dishes: Pair the Involtino Chicken with complementary side dishes such as roasted vegetables or quinoa pilaf to create a well-rounded and visually appealing plate.

Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need

Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking sheets or pans to prevent food from sticking.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding flavor to dishes.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Small bowl: Used for mixing small amounts of ingredients or for holding dipping sauces.
Large baking sheet: A larger version of a baking sheet, used for baking larger quantities of food.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, producing a crispy layer similar to frying but using little to no oil.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Allow the involtino chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled involtino chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap each involtino chicken individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
Place the wrapped involtino chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen involtino chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, remove the desired number of involtino chicken from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the thawed involtino chicken on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Alternatively, you can reheat the involtino chicken in the microwave, placing them on a microwave-safe plate and heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Note that reheating in the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating, while microwaving may result in a softer texture.

The Best Methods for Reheating Leftovers

To reheat leftover involtino chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Loosely cover the chicken with another piece of foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the breadcrumbs.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the involtino chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can easily reheat your leftover involtino chicken while maintaining its crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the involtino chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Involtino Chicken

The involtino chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of spinach, feta, and ricotta cheese with tender chicken breast. It's a great way to incorporate more greens and lean protein into your diet. This dish can be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer for a crispy and flavorful result. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or sliced and served as an appetizer. Plus, it's a great way to impress your guests with a unique and tasty dish. Try making this involtino chicken recipe for your next dinner party!

Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?

This involtino chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breast, spinach, and ricotta cheese, are reasonably priced and readily available. The recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly meal option. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $20, making it an affordable choice for a delicious and nutritious dinner. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Chicken Dish Healthy or Not So Much?

The involtino chicken recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here are some positive aspects:

The recipe uses lean chicken breast cutlets, which are a good source of protein and low in fat.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
The use of herbs like parsley and dill adds flavor without increasing calorie content.
The recipe uses whole wheat breadcrumbs, which offer more fiber than regular breadcrumbs.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be made healthier:

The recipe uses feta and ricotta cheese, which can add significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
The breadcrumbs, even though they are whole wheat, can still contribute to the overall carbohydrate and calorie content of the dish.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of feta and ricotta cheese used, or opt for lower-fat versions of these cheeses.
Increase the amount of spinach and other vegetables in the filling to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
Use a smaller amount of breadcrumbs or replace them with a more nutrient-dense option, such as almond meal or ground flaxseed.
Instead of cooking spray, brush the chicken with a small amount of olive oil to control the quantity used.
Serve the involtino chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Recipe

This chicken involtini recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of spinach, feta, and ricotta creates a creamy and savory filling that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The use of whole wheat breadcrumbs adds a nutty crunch, enhancing the overall experience. The cooking methods provided, whether in the oven or air fryer, offer flexibility for different cooking preferences. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Enhance Your Chicken Involtino Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the savory involtino chicken.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Fresh asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, adding a burst of flavor to your meal.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey, creating a sweet and savory side dish that complements the flavors of the involtino chicken.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts roasted with balsamic vinegar, offering a tangy and caramelized side dish to accompany the delicious chicken involtino.

Similar Recipes to Try Next

Stuffed Bell Peppers: These bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, then baked to perfection. The colorful presentation makes for a stunning dish.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This flavorful dish features grilled chicken topped with a refreshing mango salsa, combining the sweetness of mango with the tanginess of lime and the heat of jalapeno.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup, made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a hint of nutmeg for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Banana Bread Pudding: Turn ripe bananas into a delectable dessert with this banana bread pudding recipe, featuring a rich custard base and chunks of moist banana bread.

Appetizer and Dessert Suggestions

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and savory appetizer, try making stuffed mushrooms. Fill each mushroom cap with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors.

Bruschetta: Create a refreshing and vibrant appetizer with bruschetta. Top slices of toasted baguette with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. The combination of juicy tomatoes and aromatic herbs makes for a delightful start to any meal.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Create a decadent Tiramisu parfait by layering ladyfinger cookies, mascarpone cheese, and a rich coffee-flavored syrup. Top it off with a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant and indulgent dessert experience.

Panna Cotta: Elevate the Panna Cotta by infusing it with a hint of lavender or rose flavor. Serve it with a vibrant berry compote and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a delightful and sophisticated dessert option.

Why trust this Chicken Involtino Recipe:

This recipe is a delicious and nutritious choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and wholesome meal. The combination of spinach, feta cheese, and ricotta creates a rich and creamy filling, while the use of chicken breast ensures a lean and protein-packed main course. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and dill adds a burst of freshness and aroma. With a balanced mix of flavors and nutrients, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that you can trust for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Chicken Involtino Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Simply cook the fresh spinach until wilted before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute the feta cheese with other types of cheese such as goat cheese, mozzarella, or even shredded cheddar.

Can I prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake or air fry them.

Can I freeze the chicken rolls for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken rolls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, simply bake or air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! You can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nutty flavor and extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.