Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken breast and revealing a creamy, vibrant spinach and ricotta filling that oozes with flavor. This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken isn't just another dinner recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet sensation. With just a few simple ingredients and easy techniques, you'll create a dish so impressive, your family and friends will think you've been secretly training in an Italian kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast by cutting a slit along the thickest side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution and sealing the opening by pressing the edges together.
- Season the exterior of the stuffed chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet with chicken directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice chicken breasts and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Use a sharp knife and a steady hand when creating the pocket to avoid tearing the chicken.
- Don't overstuff the chicken breasts; leave some room for the filling to expand during cooking.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and prevent the filling from spilling out.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil to your ricotta mixture.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish after searing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
