Southern Georgia Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken: Comfort & Flavors

In Georgia, we’re all about flavors that bring comfort and heartiness to the dinner table, and this Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast fits right in. Juicy, golden-brown chicken filled with savory sautéed spinach and tangy feta cheese makes for a meal that’s both sophisticated and easy to prepare. Perfect for a cozy night at home, this dish blends Southern charm with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it a hit for anyone craving something wholesome and delicious.

Photo byNick Davies

Picture this: you cut into the perfectly baked chicken breast, and a warm, cheesy filling bursts out, packed with earthy spinach and seasoned to perfection. The dish may look fancy, but it’s a breeze to whip up on a weeknight or when you want to impress guests with some classic Southern hospitality.

A Local Connection

Georgia’s agricultural landscape plays a key role in bringing fresh ingredients to the table. Feta might come from the Mediterranean, but Georgia is famous for its fresh, homegrown spinach, which thrives in the state's mild climate. Spinach has been a staple in Southern cooking for years, often sautéed with garlic and served as a side dish. Here, we’re giving it a modern twist by stuffing it inside succulent chicken breasts, making it a perfect fusion of local produce and global flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh Georgia spinach (locally sourced for maximum freshness)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Southern-style Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Georgia-grown olive oil
• Toothpicks or cooking twine

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through the middle of each breast, without cutting all the way through. Season the inside with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder.
2. Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat the Georgia olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the fresh spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then set aside to cool. Mix the spinach with crumbled feta, oregano, and the remaining garlic powder.
3. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the other half over the filling and secure with toothpicks or cooking twine.
4. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
6. Serve with Southern Charm: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it open to reveal the delicious spinach and feta filling.

Southern Georgia Variations:

• Add a Peachy Twist: For a true Georgia flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of finely diced, fresh Georgia peaches to the spinach and feta mixture for a sweet-savory balance.
• Pecan Crust Option: Coat the outside of the chicken with finely chopped Georgia pecans before baking to give it a crunchy, nutty finish.
• Collard Green Substitute: For a more traditional Southern feel, swap out the spinach for sautéed collard greens, another Georgia favorite.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pair your Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken with a side of creamy Georgia-style grits or roasted sweet potatoes. A light peach salad with fresh local greens would also make a perfect, refreshing side dish. And don’t forget a tall glass of sweet iced tea to wash it all down—because no Georgia meal is complete without it!

Cooking Pro Tip:

For extra juiciness, marinate the chicken breasts for a few hours in buttermilk before preparing. This classic Southern technique tenderizes the meat and adds even more flavor to the final dish.

Call to Action:

Did you love this Georgia-inspired Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast? Let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends, and follow for more Southern-meets-global recipes that will spice up your home cooking.

Sources:

Family Recipe