Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a delicious, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, this recipe is a perfect choice for a family dinner, special occasion, or when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant yet Simple: A sophisticated dish that’s easy to make.
2. Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and nutrient-rich spinach.
3. Customizable: Easily adapt the filling with your favorite cheeses or seasonings.
4. Versatile: Serve it as a standalone entrée or pair it with various sides.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Butterfly the Chicken:
   • Place a chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the mixture (before adding the egg) and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Fill the Pockets:
   • Spoon the ricotta mixture into the prepared pockets of the chicken breasts. Use about 2–3 tablespoons per chicken breast, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
2. Secure the Filling:
   • Close the chicken pockets and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Preheat the Skillet:
   • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices and adds flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake Until Cooked Through:
   • Transfer the skillet to the oven or place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Add the Sauce (Optional)

1. Top with Marinara and Cheese:
   • For a saucier dish, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
2. Broil for a Golden Finish:
   • Place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pairings:
   • Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta for a comforting meal.
2. Low-Carb Options:
   • Pair with zucchini noodles or a fresh green salad for a healthier alternative.
3. Vegetable Sides:
   • Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

1. Choose Uniform Chicken Breasts:
   • Opt for chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
2. Avoid Overstuffing:
   • Too much filling can cause it to spill out during cooking.
3. Don’t Skip Searing:
   • Searing enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust.
4. Check the Temperature:
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
5. Make Ahead:
   • Prepare the stuffed chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.

Variations

1. Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke:
   • Add chopped artichoke hearts to the filling for a twist inspired by the classic dip.
2. Mushroom and Ricotta:
   • Sauté finely chopped mushrooms and mix them into the filling for an earthy flavor.
3. Pesto Twist:
   • Swirl in a spoonful of basil pesto into the ricotta mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
4. Spicy Kick:
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for some heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water before using it in the filling.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the filling from spilling out?
A: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken and avoid overstuffing.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond-based ricotta, and use plant-based cheeses.

Q: Can I grill instead of baking?
A: Yes, you can grill the stuffed chicken over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Conclusion

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is an impressive yet easy-to-make dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach.

Yield: 4

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a delicious, restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, this recipe is a perfect choice for a family dinner, special occasion, or when you're craving something hearty yet healthy.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Stuffed Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Seasoning:
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnish:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
2. Stuff each chicken breast with 2-3 tablespoons of the filling, ensuring the pocket is full but not overstuffed. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.

3. Season the Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the olive oil over the chicken breasts and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides.

4. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve:

1. Remove the toothpicks and transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use thawed frozen spinach. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it with the ricotta.