Quick & Zesty Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breasts meet their match with a luscious spinach ricotta stuffing that promises pure culinary delight.

This recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach nestled inside perfectly seasoned chicken.

Every bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable depth.

The chicken emerges from the oven golden and succulent, revealing a rich, green-flecked interior that hints at the deliciousness within.

Simple ingredients combine to create an elegant meal that looks far more complicated than its straightforward preparation suggests.

Home cooks will love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this irresistible chicken creation.

Why Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Is a Favorite

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and calcium-rich ricotta, this dish delivers a powerful nutritional punch while incorporating fresh spinach for added vitamins and minerals.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet space by creating a restaurant-style chicken dish that looks impressive and tastes incredible, with professional searing and baking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like different herbs, cheese varieties, or additional vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for creative home cooks.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under an hour, making it ideal for busy families seeking a nutritious dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor or presentation.

Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Ricotta – Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for the stuffed chicken recipe.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture to the stuffing.
• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that brings a sharp and salty flavor to the stuffing.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Dried Italian Herbs: Aromatic blend that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and provides a light, smooth cooking medium.

• Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffed chicken and keep the filling in place during cooking.

Easy Steps for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for your culinary adventure.

Step 2: Carve a Cozy Pocket

Gently slice into each chicken breast, creating a tender pocket without cutting completely through.

Think of it like making a little chicken envelope.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling Fusion

• Fresh ricotta cheese
• Chopped spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they become a creamy, green-flecked mixture that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Stuff and Secure

Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture into each chicken breast pocket.

If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling snug and secure.

Step 5: Season the Exterior

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried Italian herb blend

Massage the seasonings into the chicken, creating a delicious flavor coating.

Step 6: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently place the chicken breasts in the pan, cooking until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Finish in the Oven

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and the filling is heated to perfection.

Tips for Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Create a precise pocket in chicken breasts without cutting completely through to keep filling intact.
• Drain excess liquid from spinach to prevent watery stuffing and ensure a creamy, rich mixture.
• Sear chicken in skillet before baking to lock in moisture and develop a golden, flavorful exterior.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to elevate the flavor profile of the ricotta spinach stuffing.

Spinach Ricotta Chicken – Creative Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace spinach with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, adding a bright Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap ricotta for cream cheese and add crushed pork rinds for extra crunch, making this dish low-carb and protein-packed.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast instead of ricotta, incorporating chopped kale for added nutrients and green color.
• Protein Boost Variation: Mix in ground turkey or lean ground chicken with the ricotta filling to increase protein content and create a heartier meal.

Plating and Serving Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

• Gourmet Dinner Plate: Serve the stuffed chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or herbed rice pilaf for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Fresh Side Salad: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the flavors and add elegance to your dining experience.
• Elegant Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the visual appeal and add a final burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Best Storage Methods for Stuffed Chicken

• Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
• Wrap each chicken piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the exterior.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the spinach ricotta filling special?

Fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic combine to create a rich, flavorful stuffing that adds moisture and taste to the chicken.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach. Squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery filling and ensure the mixture stays thick and creamy.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts embrace classic Italian Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with creamy cheese and earthy greens nestled inside perfectly seasoned meat. Crisp golden exterior and tender interior promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (60 g) spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F, ensuring a precise cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Carefully create a deep pocket along the side of each chicken breast, maintaining the structural integrity of the meat.
3. Combine ricotta, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients into a smooth, uniform filling.
4. Gently stuff each chicken breast with the prepared ricotta mixture, using toothpicks to seal the opening if needed.
5. Generously coat the exterior of the chicken with a blend of salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs for enhanced flavor.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully searing the chicken until a golden-brown crust develops on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Carefully transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until completely cooked through and reaching a safe internal temperature.
8. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve the stuffed chicken hot.

Notes

• Choose fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutrition, as wilted or frozen spinach can make the filling watery.
• Use a sharp knife to create an even pocket in the chicken breast without piercing through, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming in the skillet.
• Try different herbs like basil or thyme to customize the flavor profile of the ricotta stuffing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg