Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Ricotta Stuffed Chicken! It’s one of those dishes that just screams comfort food but feels fancy enough to impress anyone you invite over. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, savory ricotta mixture? Trust me, the first bite will have you dreaming of Italy! What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is yet packed with flavor. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it at a dinner party, and it never fails to wow the crowd. Plus, it’s low in fat, so you can indulge without the guilt! I can’t wait for you to try it—let’s dive right into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, creamy and fresh
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped finely for a pop of color and nutrition
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated for that salty kick
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to add aromatic depth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, because who doesn’t love that herb blend?
- Salt and pepper, to taste, don’t forget this essential seasoning!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing and adding richness
How to Prepare Ricotta Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures that everything is perfectly hot when it goes in. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and creamy. You want the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step—take your time to get it just right!
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Now, grab those chicken breasts! Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each one, making sure not to cut all the way through. You want enough space to hold that delicious filling without tearing the chicken apart. Once you have the pockets ready, generously stuff each one with your ricotta mixture, pressing it in gently. Oops, it might get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, gently place your stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden. This step adds an irresistible flavor and texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Transfer your seared chicken to a baking dish and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is super important to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, so keep an eye on it!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the numbers! This Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is not only delicious but also pretty wholesome. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with 18g of fat, 36g of protein, and just 4g of carbs. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they’re still a great choice for a satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously creamy filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Low-fat ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or special occasions.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and veggies for extra flair!
Tips for Success
To really nail this Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t overstuff the chicken; you want enough filling to enjoy but not so much that it spills out while cooking. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps keep it juicy. If you’re worried about the chicken drying out, you can cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking. And remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Ricotta Stuffed Chicken! Try adding fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. You could even mix in some artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra texture and taste. For a twist, substitute the spinach with kale or add some sautéed mushrooms. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To create a delightful meal around your Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, consider serving it with a crisp side salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini pair beautifully, adding color and nutrition. For a heartier option, garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto will complement the chicken perfectly. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Just place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to dry it out!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy kick. Whatever you love!
How do I know when the chicken is done? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. No guesswork here!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold!
What sides go well with this dish? I recommend a light salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. But really, anything you love will work!
Can I freeze the leftovers? Definitely! Just wrap it tightly and it’ll last for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Print
Ricotta Stuffed Chicken: 5 Comforting Layers of Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Ricotta stuffed chicken is a delicious and savory dish, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast.
- Stuff each pocket with the ricotta mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Check internal temperature, it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- You can add herbs like basil for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Recipes, Italian Dishes