Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken: A Culinary Delight
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. Imagine tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, herb-infused ricotta that melts in your mouth with every bite. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike.
The origins of stuffed chicken can be traced back to various culinary traditions around the world, where the art of stuffing meats has been celebrated for centuries. Each culture adds its unique twist, but the essence remains the same: to create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken stands out for its simplicity and elegance, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
People love this dish not only for its delightful taste but also for its convenience. It’s a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. The combination of the creamy ricotta and fresh herbs creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. Trust me, once you try Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, it will quickly become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Preparing the Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Set the filling aside while you prepare the chicken.
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket to hold the filling.
- Once all the chicken breasts are prepared, season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Stuffing the Chicken
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each chicken breast pocket with the ricotta mixture. Be generous, but make sure not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during cooking.
- After stuffing, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This will help keep the filling inside while cooking.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor and a nice crust.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serving the Dish
- While the chicken is baking, you can warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist chicken.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts.
- To serve, place a generous spoonful of marinara sauce on each plate, and then top with the stuffed chicken breast.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve with your choice of side dishes, such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before stuffing.
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute the ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the ricotta filling.
- For a more decadent version, top the stuffed chicken with mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Experiment with different
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a dish that combines elegance with comfort, the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is an absolute must-try! This recipe not only showcases the delightful flavors of fresh herbs and creamy ricotta but also elevates the humble chicken breast into a gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you’re a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, feel free to add them to the ricotta mixture for a burst of tangy flavor. Alternatively, you could incorporate spinach or even some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. The possibilities are endless! Additionally, consider serving the stuffed chicken alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. A side of garlic bread or a light pasta dish would also complement the flavors beautifully.
I encourage you to give this Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken recipe a try. It’s not only simple to prepare but also allows you to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken and creamy, herb-infused ricotta is a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, the presentation is stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dining table.
Once you’ve made this dish, I would love to hear about your experience! Did you try any unique variations? How did your family react to this delightful meal? Sharing your thoughts and photos on social media can inspire others to dive into this delicious recipe as well. Don’t forget to tag your posts with #HerbedRicottaStuffedChicken so we can all enjoy your culinary creations!
In conclusion, the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and endless variations, it’s a recipe that deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
This stuffed chicken breast recipe features tender chicken filled with a creamy ricotta and herb mixture, baked to perfection and served with marinara sauce. It's a delightful dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Set the filling aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket to hold the filling.
- Once all the chicken breasts are prepared, season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each chicken breast pocket with the ricotta mixture. Be generous, but make sure not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during cooking.
- After stuffing, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This will help keep the filling inside while cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor and a nice crust.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is baking, you can warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist chicken.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts.
- To serve, place a generous spoonful of marinara sauce on each plate, and then top with the stuffed chicken breast.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve with your choice of side dishes, such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before stuffing.
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute the ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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