Description
A delicious and healthy stuffed chicken recipe featuring boneless chicken breasts filled with a savory mixture of fresh spinach, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, seared to golden perfection and baked to juicy tenderness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed chicken breasts evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without cutting completely through, to create space for the stuffing.
- Make Stuffing Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture, then secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a butter-greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully before serving your flavorful stuffed chicken breasts hot.
Notes
- Ensure not to cut the chicken breasts all the way through to prevent the stuffing from falling out.
- Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is essential for safe and juicy chicken.
- To add extra flavor, you can sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top before baking.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
