Irresistible Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breasts become a canvas for a creamy spinach ricotta stuffed chicken recipe that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Melted cheese and vibrant greens create a delightful harmony inside each succulent bite.

The combination of ricotta smooth texture and spinach earthy notes promises a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.

This recipe turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Packed with protein and nutrients, the dish delivers bold flavors without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.

You’ll love how quickly this elegant meal comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something special.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates a delicious canvas for the stuffing, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best results.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the stuffing, select firm onions and fresh garlic for vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that brings earthy freshness and beautiful color to the filling, choose crisp, bright leaves.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a clean, peppery note to balance the rich cheese mixture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, smooth cheese that creates a luxurious texture in the stuffing, look for fresh, high-quality cheese.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan: Melty and sharp cheeses that add complexity and stringy, golden-brown topping, select freshly grated varieties.
• Egg Yolk: Crucial binding ingredient that helps hold the stuffing together and adds richness.

• Dried Oregano: Aromatic herb that brings Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that adds unexpected depth and complexity to the cheese mixture.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil for cooking and adding a touch of Mediterranean flavor.

Must-Have Equipment for Spinach Stuffed Chicken

• Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for sautéing onions, garlic, and searing chicken.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for preparing and cutting chicken breasts.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for chopping onions, garlic, spinach, and parsley.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining cheese and spinach mixture.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning.
• Toothpicks: Optional tool to secure chicken pocket and keep filling inside.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning and spice measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix ingredients in the skillet and bowl.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Stuffed Chicken

• Chicken Preparation

Select plump chicken breasts that will hold a generous stuffing. Create a gentle pocket in the thickest section without piercing through the entire breast.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic in a warm skillet until they release their aromatic essence. Incorporate fresh spinach, allowing the leaves to soften and release their vibrant green color.

• Cheese Symphony

Blend ricotta with complementary cheeses, infusing the mixture with herbs and subtle spices. Fold the wilted spinach into the creamy cheese blend, creating a harmonious filling.

• Culinary Assembly

Carefully nestle the cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, ensuring a perfect balance of ingredients. Secure the openings to prevent the delectable filling from escaping.

• Golden Transformation

Sear the stuffed chicken in a hot skillet, developing a beautiful golden-brown exterior that promises delicious caramelization and depth of flavor.

• Oven Finale

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven, allowing the chicken to cook evenly and reach perfect tenderness. The cooking process will meld the flavors and create a mouthwatering main course.

• Resting Moment

Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking, letting the juices redistribute and ensuring each bite is succulent and full of flavor.

Stuffed Chicken Flavor Customizations and Tips

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese, fontina, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that make your stuffed chicken exciting and personalized.
• Herb Garden Twist: Replace dried herbs with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives for a brighter, more vibrant taste that elevates the entire dish's freshness and aroma.
• Low-Carb Love: Transform this recipe into a keto-friendly meal by using full-fat cheese and serving alongside roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides for a nutritious alternative.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne to the cheese mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat and want to challenge their taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation incredibly convenient.

How to Plate and Serve Spinach Ricotta Chicken

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the golden-brown stuffed chicken on a large white platter, garnished with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress your guests.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside roasted garlic herb potatoes or a crisp Greek salad to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the spinach and ricotta stuffing.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the cheese and enhance the delicate herb notes.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Slice the chicken and tuck into a fresh ciabatta roll with a spread of pesto for a gourmet sandwich that breathes new life into your delicious meal.

Storing Spinach Ricotta Chicken for Later

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple chicken breasts at once and store extras in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious dinners are always within reach.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store cooked stuffed chicken in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen stuffed chicken remains delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving, guaranteeing both safety and juicy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Succulent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade spinach ricotta stuffed chicken brings Italian culinary magic to weeknight dinners. Mediterranean flavors combine with simple ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality meal that delights palates.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 cups (480 ml) spinach (fresh, chopped)
• ½ cup (120 ml) ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mozzarella (shredded)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Parmesan (grated)
• ½ cup (120 ml) onion (yellow, diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 egg yolk
• kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an optimal cooking environment for chicken transformation.
2. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and delicately slice a pocket along the thickest portion, maintaining structural integrity while preparing for flavor infusion.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic, then introduce chopped spinach and parsley, allowing ingredients to wilt and meld together.
4. Cheese Mixture Creation: Blend ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg yolk, oregano, and nutmeg into a luxurious mixture, then incorporate the cooled spinach blend for a harmonious filling.
5. Stuffing and Seasoning: Generously season chicken with kosher salt and black pepper, carefully stuff each breast pocket with the cheese-spinach mixture, securing with toothpicks if needed.
6. Searing and Cooking: Increase skillet heat to medium-high, add remaining olive oil, and sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet directly to preheated oven.
7. Final Cooking and Resting: Bake for 16-20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer, then allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes for optimal juiciness and flavor distribution.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exact 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfect doneness.
• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden exterior and better sear.
• Pocket Perfection: Create a clean, careful pocket cut without piercing through the chicken, maintaining structural integrity for optimal stuffing.
• Resting Ritual: Let chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor throughout the meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg