Spinach & feta barbecued chicken

This Spinach & Feta Barbecued Chicken features juicy chicken thighs stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and pine nuts, grilled to perfection. The combination of savory and tangy flavors makes it a delightful main dish for any barbecue.

04 Jan 2026
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

3 tsp olive oil
1 onion
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
3 cups spinach
1/3 cup feta cheese
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp black pepper
8 chicken thighs
Spinach & feta barbecued chicken

Elevate your barbecue game with this delicious Spinach & Feta Barbecued Chicken recipe. Featuring succulent chicken thighs stuffed with a savory blend of spinach, feta cheese, pine nuts, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Let's dive into the recipe to prepare this flavorful and healthy meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Chop the spinach into small pieces and crumble the feta cheese.
2. Sauté the Onion and Pine Nuts:
- In a large pan over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and starts to brown.
- Add the pine nuts to the pan. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pine nuts are toasted and golden. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Mix in Feta and Seasonings:
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
5. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Preheat your barbecue or grill to medium-high heat.
- Take the chicken thighs and gently lift the skin without removing it. Using a spoon, stuff the spinach and feta mixture under the skin of each chicken thigh.
- Brush the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the skin of each chicken thigh to help them crisp up during grilling.
6. Grill the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Be mindful to avoid flare-ups; if the skin starts to burn, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking with indirect heat.
7. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Spinach & Feta Barbecued Chicken hot, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.
8. Enjoy:
- Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious chicken dish with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

And there you have it! A perfectly barbecued Spinach & Feta Chicken that is both juicy and bursting with flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal and don't be surprised if your guests come back for seconds!

Spinach & feta barbecued chicken FAQ:

What is the ideal internal temperature for the chicken thighs?

The chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

How long should I grill the chicken thighs?

Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side, but ensure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

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

Yes, you can substitute feta with other cheeses such as goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. However, reduce the grilling time since they cook faster without the bone.

Tips:

- Make sure to finely chop the spinach and onion for a more even stuffing mixture.

- Toast the pine nuts for a few minutes before adding them to the stuffing to enhance their flavor.

- Season the chicken thighs with a bit of salt before stuffing to ensure the meat is well-flavored.

- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken thighs if they don't stay closed after stuffing.

- Preheat the barbecue grill and oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.

- Cook the chicken over medium heat to ensure it cooks thoroughly without burning the stuffing.

- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 600kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 1.55g
Sugar 2.25g
Fat 50g

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