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
Scale
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.
