If you are craving a comforting, elegant, and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe. This dish features tender chicken breasts lovingly filled with a creamy mix of ricotta, nutritious spinach, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a perfect harmony of taste and texture. The blend of herbs and spices gives it that irresistible Italian-inspired aroma, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that combine like magic to create a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from building flavor and adding moisture to providing that luscious filling that makes every bite special.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are perfect for stuffing and remain juicy after baking.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild base that balances the savory spinach and herbs.
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Provides vibrant color and a boost of nutrients without excess moisture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that enhances the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle, aromatic kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to highlight the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the filling with classic Italian flair.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken for a beautiful golden crust before baking.
- Optional: toothpicks or kitchen twine: Helps keep the stuffed chicken securely closed while cooking.
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta and Spinach Filling
Start by combining ricotta cheese, thawed and well-drained spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform filling. This mixture is what transforms simple chicken breasts into a creamy, flavorful centerpiece.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally along one side, stopping before you cut all the way through. Gently fill each pocket with the prepared ricotta-spinach mixture. If you want to keep the filling secure, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the openings—this step helps everything stay perfectly in place while cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve a gorgeous golden brown crust. This quick sear locks in moisture and adds a delicious texture contrast.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safely cooked through without drying out.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and carefully take out any toothpicks or twine. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, so every bite is tender and moist.
How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh aroma that complements the stuffed chicken beautifully. You might also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. For a more indulgent meal, pair it with a simple pasta tossed in garlic and olive oil or a light tomato sauce to soak up alongside the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breasts crosswise to reveal the delicious filling spiral inside for an elegant presentation. Serve atop a bed of lightly sautéed greens or a fluffy rice pilaf to elevate the dish visually and add texture contrasts that delight the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftover stuffed chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and the chicken tender.
Freezing
If you want to save the Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe for another day, you can freeze it before or after cooking. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 2 months and makes a fantastic ready-to-bake dinner option.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm throughout, about 15 minutes, to preserve the chicken’s moisture and creamy filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the dish unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly to wilt and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing with the ricotta. This keeps the filling from becoming watery.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese for a similar texture, but make sure to drain any excess liquid. Cream cheese is another option, though it will create a richer, denser filling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, use large portobello mushrooms or eggplants as vessels stuffed with the ricotta-spinach mixture, then bake until tender.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe combines wholesome ingredients and simple techniques for a deliciously satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for cozy nights or special occasions, bringing all the flavors of a classic Italian dinner to your table with ease. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into one of the most delightful chicken dishes out there—you won’t believe how simple and tasty homemade comfort food can be!
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Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. It’s seared to perfection in a skillet before being baked until juicy and cooked through, making for a delicious and elegant Italian-inspired main course that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure chicken pockets
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning until smooth. Set aside.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully create pockets in each chicken breast by slicing a deep slit on the side without cutting all the way through. Fill each pocket generously with the ricotta-spinach mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. This locks in juices and adds color.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully take out the toothpicks or twine before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or chopped artichokes into the ricotta-spinach filling.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to sear and bake without transferring the chicken to another pan.
- Make sure the spinach is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
