Mediterranean Cottage Cheese & Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Drizzle

Mediterranean Cottage Cheese & Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Drizzle

This wholesome and flavor-packed dish combines lean, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy filling of cottage cheese, sautéed spinach, and Mediterranean herbs. It’s finished with a vibrant olive oil herb drizzle that ties everything together beautifully. Ideal for a high-protein, low-carb dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Chicken:

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Stuffing:

1 cup cottage cheese (drained slightly if very watery)

1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Herb Drizzle:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or mint

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).

Let it cool slightly, then mix with cottage cheese, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Prep the Chicken:

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket (do not cut all the way through).

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Stuff the Chicken:

Spoon the cottage cheese-spinach mixture into each chicken pocket.

Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Sear the Chicken:

In an oven-safe skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.

Bake:

Transfer the skillet to the oven (or place chicken in a baking dish).

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 75°C or 165°F).

Make the Herb Drizzle:

While the chicken bakes, mix all herb drizzle ingredients in a small bowl.

Serve:

Drizzle herb sauce over stuffed chicken just before serving.

Optional: garnish with extra herbs or crumbled feta.

Tips & Variations

Cheese Swap: Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or crumbled feta for a richer flavor.

Add More Veggies: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, or roasted red peppers into the filling for extra Mediterranean flair.

Herb Drizzle Boost: Add a pinch of sumac or za’atar to the drizzle for a tangy or earthy twist.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a thin slice of jalapeño to the filling for a gentle heat.

Storage Tips:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with couscous, quinoa, or a side of Mediterranean roasted vegetables.

Excellent over a bed of arugula or orzo salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

Q&A

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can stuff and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to sear and bake.

Q: Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

A: Yes. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it great for low-carb or keto-style diets.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?

A: Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture before mixing it with the cottage cheese.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

A: You can sear the chicken in a pan and then transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Values may vary depending on portion size and cheese brand.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Cottage Cheese & Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a beautiful combination of tender chicken, creamy filling, and a fresh herbaceous drizzle. The dish delivers on flavor while staying nutritious, low-carb, and protein-rich. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings the wholesome charm of Mediterranean cooking straight to your table.