Description
A delicious and healthy stuffed chicken breast recipe filled with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. The chicken is first seared to a golden brown and then baked to juicy perfection, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket, then secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, developing flavor and color.
- Bake Chicken: Grease a baking dish with butter, place the seared chicken breasts inside, and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully before serving the stuffed chicken warm.
Notes
- Ensure not to cut the chicken breasts all the way through when creating pockets to prevent filling from leaking out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To add extra flavor, consider seasoning the spinach filling with a pinch of nutmeg.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the filling and add texture; you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- To make this recipe quicker, prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
