Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

In search of a dinner recipe that’s both delicious and impressive? Look no further than this delightful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. This dish pairs the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the earthy tones of spinach, all stuffed into juicy chicken breasts. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week or for special occasions. Below, I’ve laid out the recipe in detail to ensure you can create a stunning meal without any hassle.

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

1. Prepare Your Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lay them flat on a cutting board and carefully cut a 3-4 inch wide pocket into the thickest part of each breast, taking care not to cut through completely.
   • Season both sides of each chicken breast with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Cook the Filling:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add chopped spinach and parsley to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg yolk, dried oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the cooled spinach mixture until everything is well blended.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
   • Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
5. Sear the Chicken:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear on one side until golden, about 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side for another 5 minutes.
6. Bake:
   • Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 16-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the rich combination of cheeses and fresh greens, and the chicken is perfectly juicy. Serve this dish with a light salad or your favorite side for a complete meal. Enjoy the process of making it and the delicious results!