If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, the Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts generously filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the best way to achieve rich, inviting flavors without fuss. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role, contributing to the perfect texture, creaminess, and vibrant color that make this dish shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, ready to be stuffed and baked juicy and tender.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds bright color, a healthy touch, and fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it keeps the filling smooth and rich.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty kick that elevates the stuffing.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the filling and adds a slight crunch texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant punch that brings warmth to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herbaceous flavor that complements the filling and chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing): Keeps the baking dish ready for perfectly crisp edges without sticking.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Then, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the luscious spinach and ricotta filling, so take your time to avoid breaking the meat apart. This step is the foundation for your delightful stuffed chicken creation.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine fresh chopped spinach, creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a uniform filling bursting with flavor. This blend is the magic that turns simple chicken breasts into something unforgettable.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Gently stuff each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and ricotta mixture, making sure to fill it nicely but without overstuffing. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling snug inside during cooking. This keeps everything perfectly intact so the filling stays warm and melty when served.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. This step adds a gorgeous crust and locks in the juices, giving you a perfect texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish greased with butter. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking finishes cooking the chicken evenly and softens the filling to creamy, dreamy perfection.
Step 6: Serving Readiness
Remove the toothpicks carefully, and your stuffed chicken breasts are ready to wow on the plate. The rich green filling peeking through the juicy meat is as inviting visually as it is delicious.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
When plating your stuffed chicken, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma you won’t want to miss. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the flavors beautifully and adds a subtle brightness that complements the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken breast pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as roasted baby potatoes, a crisp mixed green salad, or garlic butter sautéed asparagus. These dishes add a variety of textures and keep the meal balanced while letting the chicken shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken breasts crosswise to reveal the layers of filling and arrange them in a fanned pattern on the plate. Nestle them on a bed of creamy polenta or risotto to create an elegant, restaurant-worthy finish that’s certain to impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor well, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the stuffed and seared chicken breasts before baking. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked directly from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure doneness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents drying out, preserving that creamy nutritious spinach and ricotta filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out any excess water to avoid soggy stuffing.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese are good alternatives; they offer similar creaminess but might slightly alter the texture.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing isn’t mandatory, but it adds fantastic color and flavor, plus it helps seal in the juices before baking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe and juicy.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! You can easily scale up the ingredients and bake multiple stuffed chicken breasts at once for gatherings and family meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel like a treat. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dish anyone can master while impressing friends and family alike. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite as much as I do!
Print
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A delicious and creamy stuffed chicken breast recipe filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven for a tender and juicy main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffed chicken breasts later.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully slice horizontally into each chicken breast to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through to hold the filling inside.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, then secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Grease a baking dish with butter and transfer the seared chicken breasts into it. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful stuffed chicken breasts.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pockets do not cut all the way through to keep the filling intact during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
