Herb-Infused Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Stuffing chicken with creamy spinach ricotta creates a mouthwatering dinner that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Tender chicken breasts become magical vessels for a rich, green filling bursting with flavor.

Herbs and garlic add depth to this simple yet elegant meal.

Italian cuisine inspires this protein-packed dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Melted cheese threads through vibrant spinach, promising a delectable experience with each bite.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly in this crowd-pleasing recipe you can whip up in under an hour.

Dive into this culinary adventure and impress everyone at your table.

Flavor Options For Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

• Keto-Friendly Spinach Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb alternative. Use full-fat ricotta and increase parmesan for added richness.
• Mediterranean Greek Version: Swap spinach with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. Add fresh oregano and mint for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Protein Option: Substitute ricotta with mashed white beans or silken tofu. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a similar umami taste.
• Herb-Infused Lean Protein: Replace spinach with fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley. Mix herbs with dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter, vibrant filling.

Perfect Pairings For Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy spinach-ricotta filling, cutting through the richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy, peppery contrast to the golden-crusted chicken, balancing the dish's hearty flavors.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts enhance the meal's herbal undertones, adding nutritional depth and complementary textures.
• Select Sparkling Water Accompaniment: Chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing the taste buds and highlighting the chicken's delicate seasoning.

How To Keep Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains sealed to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, rotating the chicken to ensure even warming.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken FAQ List

• Can I use frozen spinach for the filling?

Yes, but thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent excess moisture, which could make the filling watery and compromise the texture.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part, ensuring safe and juicy chicken.

• What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture in the filling.

• Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?

Butterflying creates a pocket for more filling and helps the chicken cook more evenly, but you can also slice a horizontal pocket if preferred.

Why Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Feels Fancy Yet Easy

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Dive into a mouthwatering chicken dish packed with rich spinach-ricotta filling and zesty parmesan breadcrumb coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Create a delicious dinner with minimal kitchen skills, using straightforward steps and common ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing: Impress family and guests with a restaurant-quality chicken recipe that looks elegant but requires basic cooking techniques, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping spinach with other vegetables or experimenting with different herbs and spices to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main component of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the stuffing.

• Spinach, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy and flavorful mixture that adds richness and nutrition to the chicken.
• Garlic: Provides a aromatic and savory depth to the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and create a smooth texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy and golden exterior that adds texture and flavor to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken and promotes browning.
• Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall seasoning and provide additional flavor complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

How To Prepare Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with cooking oil to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets

Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally, creating a delicate pocket. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through – you want a nice, even space for the yummy filling.

Step 3: Mix The Filling

• Chopped spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Stuff The Chicken

Carefully spoon the spinach-ricotta mixture into each chicken pocket. Press gently to seal and keep all that deliciousness inside.

Step 5: Prepare The Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder

Step 6: Add Moisture To Coating

Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture. Mix it up so the coating becomes slightly clumpy and will stick better to the chicken.

Step 7: Season And Coat

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the outside of each stuffed chicken breast. Then roll each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing to make sure it’s fully covered.

Step 8: Arrange For Baking

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Give each piece some breathing room for even cooking.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Pull the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and the filling to set, making every bite absolutely delicious.

Tips To Stuff Spinach Ricotta Chicken Right

• Butterfly with Care: Slice chicken breasts horizontally with a sharp knife, creating an even pocket without cutting through completely for consistent cooking and stuffing.
• Mix Filling Thoroughly: Blend spinach, ricotta, parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well-incorporated for maximum flavor.
• Breadcrumb Coating Trick: Add olive oil to breadcrumbs to create a clumpy texture that sticks better to chicken, helping achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and lets the filling set, preventing a runny filling when cut.
• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent spinach ricotta stuffed chicken elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean flair. Herbed cheese and tender greens nestle inside juicy chicken breasts, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Coating/Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting completely through, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta, grated parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper, blending until the filling is well-incorporated and smooth.
4. Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach-ricotta mixture, pressing gently to seal and secure the filling inside.
5. Create a coating mixture by combining breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, dried oregano, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture, stirring to create a slightly moistened, clumpy texture that will adhere better to the chicken.
7. Season the exterior of each stuffed chicken breast with salt and pepper, then carefully coat each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
8. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the filling to set.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness for even stuffing and cooking, ensuring no thin spots that might dry out quickly.
• Gently squeeze excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery filling that could make the chicken soggy.
• Use fresh ricotta for a creamier, richer texture that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Customize breadcrumb coating by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aromatic depth and personal touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg