Mediterranean Spinach & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast
A savory-sweet Mediterranean dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with sautéed spinach, garlic, cranberries, and creamy feta or mozzarella, baked until perfectly golden.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts
1–2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Stuffing
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened preferred)
¼ cup crumbled feta OR shredded mozzarella
1–2 tbsp cream cheese (makes the filling creamy)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Pinch of black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Pat chicken breasts dry.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket on the side of each breast (don’t cut through).
4. Season all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
2. Make the stuffing
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, cook 20–30 seconds.
3. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in:
- cranberries
- feta or mozzarella
- cream cheese
- parsley
5. Mix until creamy and combined.
3. Stuff the chicken
1. Spoon the spinach-cranberry mixture into each chicken pocket.
2. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
3. Place chicken on a baking dish.
4. Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and golden.
Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for color.
5. Serve
Slice the chicken and plate with:
A drizzle of olive oil or lemon
Fresh herbs
Side of roasted veggies, rice, quinoa, or salad
💡 Tips & Notes
Feta gives a tangy Mediterranean flavor; mozzarella gives a creamy melt.
Don’t overcook the chicken — remove at internal temp 75°C (165°F).
You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Replace cranberries with chopped apricots or dates for variation.
🍽 Best Side Dish Pairings
- Lemon herb quinoa
- Roasted vegetables (zucchini, carrots, peppers)
- Creamy hummus with warm pita
- Simple cucumber yogurt salad
❓ frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes! Mix the stuffing 1 day before and refrigerate.
Q: Can this be air fried?
Yes — air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 18–22 minutes.
Q: Is it non-spicy?
Completely — all Mediterranean herbs, no chili.