Make Amazing Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken in 4 Easy Steps!

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in countless delicious ways. One particularly tasty and nutritious option is Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. This recipe combines the rich, creamy flavors of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, all wrapped up in tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

To make this mouth-watering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

The combination of creamy ricotta, nutrient-dense spinach, and savory Parmesan creates a delightful filling that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. The garlic and oregano add depth of flavor, while the olive oil helps to sear the chicken to a golden brown.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Prepare Chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff Chicken: Fill each pocket with the ricotta-spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown.
6. Bake: Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7. Serve: Remove the toothpicks and serve your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken warm, with your favorite sides.

The key to preventing the cheese from oozing out during baking is to make sure the pockets in the chicken breasts are not cut all the way through. Securing the stuffed chicken with toothpicks can also help keep the filling in place.

What Goes Well with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken?

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some delicious options include garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh quinoa salad. The creamy, savory flavors of the dish also complement well with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus.

Does Ricotta Go Well with Chicken?

Yes, ricotta cheese is an excellent pairing for chicken. The mild, creamy texture of ricotta complements the lean, juicy nature of chicken perfectly. The two ingredients work together to create a satisfying and balanced meal. In the case of Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, the ricotta filling adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the dish.

What Cheese is Best for Stuffing Chicken?

When it comes to stuffing chicken, there are several cheeses that work well. In addition to ricotta, other great options include:

• Mozzarella: Melty and mild, mozzarella is a classic choice for stuffed chicken.
• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, flavorful punch inside chicken breasts.
• Goat Cheese: The tangy, creamy nature of goat cheese pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Feta: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, Mediterranean flair to stuffed chicken.

The key is to choose a cheese that complements the other flavors in the dish and melts well when baked. In the case of Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, the ricotta cheese creates a creamy, decadent filling that perfectly balances the lean chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, there are several variations and substitutions you can try with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken:

• Low-Fat Ricotta: For a healthier option, use low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese in the filling.
• Vegetable Variations: Instead of spinach, try stuffing the chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or a blend of sautéed vegetables.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for eggplant or portobello mushroom caps for a meat-free version.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika, to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a nutritious and satisfying meal. Each serving (1 stuffed chicken breast) contains approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g

The combination of lean chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and protein-rich ricotta cheese makes this dish a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while ricotta cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo
• Rolled Chicken with Feta and Spinach
• Spinach Stuffed Chicken

FAQs about Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

What goes with spinach and ricotta chicken?

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh quinoa salad. The creamy, savory flavors of the dish also complement well with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus.

How do you keep cheese from oozing out of stuffed chicken?

To prevent the cheese from oozing out of the stuffed chicken, it’s important to make sure the pockets in the chicken breasts are not cut all the way through. Securing the stuffed chicken with toothpicks can also help keep the filling in place during baking.

Does ricotta go well with chicken?

Yes, ricotta cheese is an excellent pairing for chicken. The mild, creamy texture of ricotta complements the lean, juicy nature of chicken perfectly, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.

What cheese is best for stuffing chicken?

In addition to ricotta, other great cheeses for stuffing chicken include mozzarella, cheddar, goat cheese, and feta. The key is to choose a cheese that complements the other flavors in the dish and melts well when baked.

Try Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Today

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious chicken dinner, give Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken a try. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach is sure to impress your taste buds. With its versatile pairing options and easy-to-customize variations, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Don’t wait – try Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken today!

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