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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) The main ingredients for spinach ricotta stuffed chicken breasts are simple yet flavorful. You start with the chicken breasts. Choose fresh, boneless, and skinless pieces for the best results. The next star of the show is spinach. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and nutrition. Then, we have ricotta cheese. This creamy cheese brings a rich texture that pairs well with chicken. The blend of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella adds great flavor and a gooey texture when baked. For seasoning, minced garlic is a must. It enhances the taste and aroma. Dried oregano brings a warm, earthy note that complements the other flavors. Salt and black pepper add just the right touch of seasoning. Finally, a tablespoon of olive oil helps with cooking and adds taste. When serving, a cup of marinara sauce goes wonderfully over the chicken. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They not only look great but also add freshness to every bite. This dish is truly a savory delight that you will want to enjoy again and again! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well. This mixture brings creamy flavor and nutrients. - Take each chicken breast and carefully make a pocket by slicing horizontally. Be sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket holds all the goodness. - Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Use toothpicks to secure if needed. This step ensures the filling stays inside while cooking. - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates a nice crust and locks in flavor. - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Always check the temperature to ensure it's safe to eat. Using these steps, you will create a delicious and satisfying meal that impresses! To get a nice golden crust when searing chicken, heat the olive oil in a skillet until hot. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan without crowding. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes. This gives the chicken a crunchy outside. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This keeps the juices inside. For more flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A hint of red pepper flakes adds heat. If you want a creamy texture but don't have ricotta, use cream cheese or goat cheese instead. Both will taste great in your stuffing. To plate the dish, slice the chicken at an angle for a fancy look. Drizzle marinara sauce over the top or around the plate. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. Finish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. This makes the dish appealing and fun to eat. Pro Tips Properly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect golden crust. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will provide a brighter flavor and better texture than frozen spinach. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can easily switch out some ingredients for your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breasts. For cheese, try using feta or cream cheese. These will add unique flavors and textures to the dish. If you want to change the greens, swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard. Both options work well and provide a fresh twist. You can cook this dish in different ways. Grilling the chicken can give it a smoky flavor. Just make sure to check that the filling stays moist. Alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot for a faster option. Cooking in an Instant Pot can cut down on time while still giving you tender chicken. If you’re looking for low-carb options, use thin chicken cutlets and skip the pasta. For gluten-free diets, ensure your marinara has no gluten. You can also adapt this dish for vegan diets. Use tofu or a vegan cheese alternative and replace chicken with portobello mushrooms. This makes a delicious plant-based meal without losing flavor. After enjoying your spinach ricotta stuffed chicken breasts, store any leftovers right away. Let the chicken cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. You can safely refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag or container. This way, they can last for up to three months. When it’s time to reheat, you want to keep the chicken moist and tasty. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish with foil to keep steam in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for three to four days. If you keep it in the freezer, it lasts for up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the chicken has an off smell, or if it feels slimy, throw it away. Always trust your senses when deciding if food is safe to eat. To cook stuffed chicken breasts well, start by searing them. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This adds flavor and keeps the juices in. After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes. This method ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Yes, you can prepare stuffed chicken breasts in advance. You can stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This helps the flavors meld. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before cooking. This way, they will cook evenly. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it in the thickest part of the breast. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). You can also check for clear juices. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done. A well-cooked chicken will no longer be pink inside. You now have all the steps to make delicious stuffed chicken breasts. Remember the key ingredients like spinach, ricotta, and the spices that add flavor. Searing the chicken gives it a nice crust, while baking ensures it remains juicy. You can try different cheeses and greens for your dish. Store any leftovers carefully for later enjoyment. With these tips, you’ll impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking and remember, practice makes perfect!

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
  • leaves fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium bowl, mix the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Take each chicken breast and carefully make a pocket by slicing horizontally with a sharp knife, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and ricotta mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening, if necessary.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  • Serve the stuffed chicken breasts drizzled with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Keyword chicken, ricotta, spinach, stuffed