🥣 Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (skin on) | 6 (bone-in or boneless) |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1/2 cup |
| Black olives (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Parsley (minced) | 2 tablespoons |
| Avocado oil | 1 tablespoon |
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Garlic (granulated or powdered) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper (ground) | 1/4 teaspoon |
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper (optional).
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, combine feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, avocado oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Stir everything together until well-mixed, then taste to adjust seasoning to your liking.
👉 Pro Tip: Taste the stuffing before stuffing the chicken to ensure it’s seasoned perfectly!
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Thighs
4️⃣ Take each chicken thigh and carefully widen the space between the skin and the meat by gently pulling apart with your finger.
5️⃣ Stuff each thigh with the prepared mixture, packing it in as much as you can. The skin will hold the stuffing in place as it cooks.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to stuff generously! The skin will keep everything inside.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
6️⃣ Place the stuffed chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet or casserole dish.
7️⃣ Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165°F (75°C).
👉 Pro Tip: If you want crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
8️⃣ Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
9️⃣ Serve with your favorite Mediterranean-inspired sides like roasted veggies, couscous, or a Greek salad.
🍛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Flavor-Packed – The stuffing is a delicious blend of creamy cheeses, savory olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
✅ Quick & Easy – Simple prep and just one pan to clean!
✅ Healthy & Hearty – Chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and rich in protein.
✅ Customizable – Add extra veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust seasoning to fit your taste.
💡 Perfect Pairings
Side Dish: Serve with roasted Mediterranean vegetables or a fresh Greek salad.
Drink: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea.
🧐 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not Preheating the Oven – Make sure your oven is fully heated to ensure even cooking.
❌ Overstuffing the Chicken – Pack the stuffing tightly, but don’t overstuff. Leave enough room for the skin to hold everything together.
❌ Not Resting the Chicken – Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps it retain its juices.
❓ FAQs
🔹 Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so check for doneness around 20 minutes.
🔹 What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Try adding spinach, artichokes, or roasted red peppers to the stuffing.
🔹 Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken thighs a day before and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.
🔹 Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can work, they’re leaner and might dry out. Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Stuffed Chicken Thighs are a savory, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to impress. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings tons of flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easy to adjust based on what’s in your pantry!
🍽️ Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 😋
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