Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Chicken: A Tasty and Nutritious Supper
Spinach and ricotta cheese stuffed chicken is the ideal blend of delicate chicken, nutrient-dense greens, and creamy cheese. Thanks to the nutritious spinach filling, this meal is not only delicious but also healthier than many stuffed chicken recipes. The chicken is perfectly complemented by the rich, subtle flavour that the creamy ricotta gives. This recipe is simple but spectacular, and it can be served for a formal gathering or a weeknight dinner.
Reasons to Love Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken:
Nutritious & Healthy: While ricotta cheese offers calcium and protein, spinach is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Easy & Fast: This recipe is perfect for hectic days when you want something tasty and filling because it comes together quickly.
Adjustable: By including other ingredients like herbs, mushrooms, or garlic, you may simply customise the filling to your preferences.
Friendly to Families: It’s a terrific meal for family dinners because the creamy filling appeals to both adults and children.
Recipe Card: Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
| Recipe Name | Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Cuisine | American |
| Dish Type | Main Course |
Ingredients
| For the Chicken | For the Stuffing |
|---|---|
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained if watery) |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese |
| 1 tsp onion powder (optional) | 1 clove garlic, minced |
| 1/2 tsp dried oregano or basil | |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sauté spinach in a pan until wilted, then drain and let it cool. |
| 2 | In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled spinach and stir until well combined. |
| 3 | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. |
| 4 | Cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff each with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. |
| 5 | Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet. Sear chicken breasts on both sides for 3-4 minutes each. |
| 6 | Transfer skillet to oven (or use an oven-safe dish) and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). |
| 7 | Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine, slice, and serve. |
Serving Suggestions
| Side Dishes | Sauces |
|---|---|
| Roasted vegetables | Lemon butter sauce |
| Garlic mashed potatoes | Balsamic reduction |
| Quinoa or rice pilaf | Tomato basil sauce |
| Side salad with vinaigrette |
Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use fresh spinach | Fresh spinach has better texture and flavor than frozen. |
| Don’t overstuff the chicken | Keep the filling moderate to avoid spillage during cooking. |
| Secure the chicken | Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside. |
| Check the internal temperature | Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness. |
Enjoy your Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken—an easy, nutritious, and delicious meal!
Substances
For the chicken:
Four skinless and boneless chicken breasts
One tablespoon of olive oil
To taste, add salt and pepper. Add 1 tsp garlic powder.
One teaspoon of optional onion powder
For the Stuffing:
One and a half cups of freshly chopped spinach; one cup of ricotta cheese (drained if watery);
Half a cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
One minced garlic clove
Half a teaspoon of dried basil or oregano
To taste, add salt and pepper.
Detailed Directions
1. Get the filling ready: –
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped spinach until it wilts down, about 2 to 3 minutes. After draining any extra liquid, let it cool.
- Add the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano (or basil), salt, pepper, and minced garlic to a large bowl. Add the spinach to the sauce after it has cooled, and whisk until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
2. Get the chicken ready: –
Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, cut horizontally into the thickest part of each chicken breast to form a pocket. Take care not to sever the chicken breast completely.
- Use olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) to season the chicken breasts on both sides.
3. Stuff the Chicken: –
Fill each chicken pocket with a good portion of the ricotta and spinach mixture using a spoon. Don’t cram the chicken too full, but make sure the filling is spread out evenly.
To keep the stuffing in place while cooking, use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the chicken’s opening.
4. Sear the Chicken:
– Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to a large ovenproof skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once heated, gently place the packed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes on each side. This process aids in giving the chicken’s exterior a crunchy, tasty crust.
5. Bake the Chicken:
After the chicken has seared, move the skillet to a preheated oven, or if you used a conventional skillet, move the chicken to an ovenproof dish.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) after 20–25 minutes of baking.
6. Allow It to Rest and Serve: –
Prior to serving, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist by allowing the liquids to disperse.
Slice the chicken, take out the kitchen twine or toothpicks, and serve it with your preferred sides.
Suggestions for Serving
Chicken stuffed with ricotta and spinach goes well with a broad range of sides:
The flavours of the chicken are perfectly complemented with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or carrots.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The dish gains a cosy touch from the creamy mashed potatoes.
The richness of the filled chicken will be counterbalanced with a savoury rice pilaf or light, fluffy quinoa.
A crisp, fresh salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette might serve as a pleasant counterpoint to the dish’s heaviness.
Differences You Could Try
It’s easy to customise this simple ricotta and spinach stuffing:
- Add Mushrooms: Add some sautéed mushrooms to the filling mixture for an earthy taste.
- Walnuts or pine nuts: The texture of the dish is improved and the filling gets a pleasant crunch from the addition of chopped walnuts or pine nuts.
Tomatoes Sun-Dried: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious tangy boost if you enjoy Mediterranean flavours.
Conclusion
The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious greens makes ricotta cheese and spinach stuffed chicken a very adaptable and filling dish. This recipe is sure to please whether you’re making it for a formal dinner party or a casual family dinner. It’s a go-to meal for any occasion because it’s simple to make, adaptable, and flavourful.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a nutritious and comfortable supper. Give it a try today!
