Dinner ideas can often feel repetitive and uninspired, but there’s always a way to bring excitement back to your table. One such way is through stuffing your ordinary ingredients with extraordinary flavors. The recipe I’m about to share does exactly that, transforming simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering dish filled with a creamy, flavorful mix of spinach, ricotta, and herbs. It’s a perfect blend of nutrition, taste, and elegance, suitable for any day of the week or special occasions. Let’s dive into making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken and Seasoning:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- A pinch of nutmeg
Directions to Delight:
Prep Work:
- Oven Ready: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the ideal temperature for baking your stuffed chicken to perfection.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the seasoning to stick and for achieving a nice sear. Carefully lay each breast flat and cut a 3-4 inch pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both the inside and outside of the chicken with salt and pepper, setting the stage for a flavor-packed dish.
Cooking the Filling:
- Sauté for Flavor: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant. This creates the flavor foundation for the filling.
- Spinach and Herbs: Introduce the chopped spinach and parsley to the skillet, cooking until the spinach is just wilted. This not only enhances the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes but also integrates beautifully with the creamy filling.
Creating the Filling:
- Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg yolk, dried oregano, nutmeg, and a bit more salt and pepper. Mix well. Once the spinach mixture has cooled slightly, incorporate it into the cheese mixture. This rich and creamy filling is what sets this dish apart, offering a delightful surprise with every bite.
Stuffing and Baking:
- Stuff the Chicken: Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the cheese and spinach mixture, securing the openings with toothpicks if necessary. This step is where your chicken begins to transform into a culinary masterpiece.
- Brown and Bake: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides to develop a delightful crust. Then, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is beautifully served with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Each serving not only brings a sophisticated look to your table but also delivers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, from the juicy chicken to the creamy, herb-infused filling.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 323 kcal per serving
Elevating your dinner to a restaurant-quality meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With this Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken recipe, you’re equipped to create a dish that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the process of cooking and, more importantly, the joy of sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones.
Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon dried oregano
A pinch of nutmeg
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Lay flat and cut a 3-4 inch pocket into each breast. Season with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add spinach and parsley, cooking until wilted.
Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg yolk, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Combine with cooled spinach mixture.
Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture.
In the skillet, heat remaining olive oil and brown chicken on both sides. Transfer to the oven and bake for 16-20 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Kcal: 323 | Servings: 4