11 May 2025
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
3 cups spinach
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves
1.50 lb chicken breasts
3 potatoes
1 short spray cooking spray oil
The Ricotta and Spinach Chicken is a delightful and nutritious meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. This recipe balances rich flavors and textures to create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a wholesome and delicious meal on the table in no time.
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and allow it to dry.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into even-sized chunks.
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and spinach.
- Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and set the mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to seal the openings if necessary.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray oil.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. Roast the Chicken and Potatoes:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe.
- Add the potato chunks around the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Lightly spray the potatoes with cooking spray oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender.
6. Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Plate the chicken breasts and serve with the roasted potatoes on the side.
- Enjoy your delicious Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with potatoes!
Tips:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach after cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- For a quicker option, you can use frozen spinach—just be sure it's fully thawed and drained well.
- If you prefer, you can use an oven-safe skillet to both sear the chicken on the stovetop and finish cooking it in the oven.
Enjoy your homemade Ricotta and Spinach Chicken, a dish that's sure to impress with its savory flavors and creamy filling. Pair it with roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe not only offers great taste but also a good balance of nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.