Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Savory Delight Recipe

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Are you ready to impress at your next dinner? Look no further than my Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful stuffing of ricotta, spinach, and herbs. It’s easy to make and packed with taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this savory delight is sure to steal the show. Let’s dive in and learn how to create this mouthwatering meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Filling: The combination of ricotta and spinach creates a creamy, rich filling that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
2. Healthy Option: This dish is packed with nutrients from spinach and is a great lean protein source, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
3. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
4. Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for entertaining.

Ingredients

List of Main Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Other Ingredients

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnishes

– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– Fresh basil leaves

For this tasty dish, you need fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken breasts form the main part. They are easy to work with. Then, you have ricotta cheese. This cheese brings a creamy and rich flavor. Fresh spinach adds a nice touch and color. Lastly, the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, giving a great texture.

You will also want some garlic for aroma and flavor. Oregano adds a hint of earthiness. The olive oil helps in cooking and adds richness. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors.

For garnishing, cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh basil leaves give a nice aroma and fresh taste. These ingredients come together to make a delightful meal. Enjoy gathering them for your cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

To start, grab a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of fresh, chopped spinach. Toss in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a smooth texture. This filling is creamy and packed with flavor.

Preparing the Chicken

Next, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry using paper towels. Slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket, but be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold your tasty filling. Now, stuff each chicken breast with about ¼ of your ricotta mixture. Make sure to fill them generously for the best taste.

Cooking Method

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious stuffed chicken!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfectly Stuffed Chicken

To avoid spilling stuffing, use a spoon to fill each chicken breast pocket. Pack the filling gently but firmly. Make sure not to overstuff; this keeps the filling inside. For checking doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear with no pink inside.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also use a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. If you want to switch up the cheese, use feta for a tangy taste. Cream cheese works too, giving a rich, creamy texture.

Presentation Tips

For a beautiful dish, slice the chicken at an angle after resting. Arrange it on a plate with the stuffing facing up. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around for color. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant finish. Serve with a light salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can mix things up with different cheeses. Try using feta for a tangy kick. Cream cheese also works well for a rich filling. For veggies, consider adding mushrooms or artichokes. Both add great flavor and texture. These swaps make the dish your own while keeping it delicious.

Dietary Adjustments

If you’re looking for low-carb or keto options, use chicken thighs instead. They add juiciness and flavor. For gluten-free needs, this dish is already safe. Just ensure any added ingredients like sauces are gluten-free. These adjustments keep the meal tasty for everyone.

Cooking Method Alternatives

Want to grill? Just marinate the chicken a bit before grilling. Cook it over medium heat until done. If you prefer a slow cooker, brown the chicken first. Then, add it to the slow cooker with the filling. Cook on low for about 4 hours. This method keeps the chicken super tender and flavorful.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the chicken in the fridge right after it cools. The ideal temperature is below 40°F (4°C). This way, it stays tasty for up to three days.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, you want to keep the chicken moist. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This helps trap steam and moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, it’s faster but may dry out the chicken. Use a microwave-safe cover to help keep it moist.

Freezing Options

You can freeze this dish both before and after cooking. If you freeze it before cooking, wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. If you freeze after cooking, let the chicken cool completely first. Label each bag with the date. This method keeps your dish safe for up to three months.

FAQs

What can I serve with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken?

You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some tasty options:

– Steamed broccoli: Adds color and crunch.

– Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting.

– Quinoa salad: Light and healthy, packed with flavor.

– Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work great.

– Mixed green salad: Fresh greens with a simple vinaigrette.

How long should I bake the chicken?

Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C). The chicken needs 20-25 minutes in the oven. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for the best results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Cover the chicken tightly to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to cook, just sear and bake as directed. You can also freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking. Just make sure to label it and use it within three months for best taste.

In summary, this blog post covers everything you need for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken, ricotta, and spinach, along with seasonings and garnishes. The step-by-step guide simplifies preparation and cooking, ensuring a perfect meal. Additionally, I shared tips for flavor, storage, and variations. Embrace your cooking journey, try these methods, and enjoy a delicious dish you can be proud of. Your kitchen adventure awaits with this tasty recip

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
• pieces fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, and then make a pocket in each breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Stuff each chicken breast with approximately ¼ of the ricotta mixture, ensuring it is filled generously.
• Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet, searing each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
• Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve the stuffed chicken garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on top for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing for better juiciness.

Keyword chicken, ricotta, spinach, stuffed chicken

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