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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375°F, ensuring a precise cooking environment for the chicken.
- Carefully create a deep pocket along the side of each chicken breast, maintaining the structural integrity of the meat.
- Combine ricotta, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients into a smooth, uniform filling.
- Gently stuff each chicken breast with the prepared ricotta mixture, using toothpicks to seal the opening if needed.
- Generously coat the exterior of the chicken with a blend of salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs for enhanced flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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