Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly flavorful? Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or hosting guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Butterfly the Chicken:
   Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping before cutting all the way through. Open the chicken like a book.
2. Flatten the Chicken (Optional):
   To ensure even cooking, place the butterflied chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet until evenly thick.
3. Season the Chicken:
   Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Make the Spinach Ricotta Filling

1. Wilt the Spinach:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and sauté the spinach until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and the cooled spinach. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Add the Filling:
   Divide the spinach ricotta mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Spoon the filling onto one side of the butterflied chicken, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Seal the Chicken:
   Fold the other half of the chicken over the filling. Secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Oven-Baked Method

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Bake the Chicken:
   Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Option 2: Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve

Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken pairs beautifully with these sides:

1. Roasted Vegetables:
   Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
2. Low-Carb Options:
   Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly dinner.
3. Grains:
   If carbs are on the menu, try serving with quinoa, couscous, or buttery mashed potatoes.
4. Salad:
   A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overstuff the Chicken:
   Avoid overfilling to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
2. Use Fresh Spinach:
   Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use thawed frozen spinach if squeezed dry.
3. Secure the Edges Well:
   Toothpicks or kitchen twine are essential for keeping the stuffing in place.
4. Check the Temperature:
   Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

Variations

1. Add Bacon:
   Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Use Different Cheese:
   Substitute ricotta with cream cheese or goat cheese for a tangier filling.
3. Incorporate Herbs:
   Add fresh basil, parsley, or dill to the filling for a herby twist.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
   Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
2. Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
3. Customizable: The filling and seasoning can be adapted to your taste preferences.
4. Impressive Presentation: A great choice for dinner parties or special occasions.

Conclusion

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a dish that brings elegance and flavor to your dining table. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with perfectly cooked chicken creates a meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the compliments that come your way!

Yield: 4

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not only visually stunning but also irresistibly flavorful? Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. It's a recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or hosting guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For Topping (Optional):
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket into the side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
   
3. Make the Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
   
4. Stuff the Chicken:
   Carefully spoon the filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the opening, if needed.
   
5. Season the Chicken:
   Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   
6. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
   
7. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet or place the chicken in the prepared baking dish. If using marinara and mozzarella, spoon marinara sauce over each breast and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
   
8. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with a side of vegetables, salad, or pasta.

Notes

Customizable Filling: Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables to keep it low carb.

Meal Prep: These stuffed chicken breasts reheat well and make a great meal prep option.