Description
This stuffed chicken with spinach recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, seasoned with garlic and oregano. The chicken is seared to a golden brown on the stovetop before being baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious, cheesy, and nutritious dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready to bake the chicken after searing.
- Create chicken pockets: Carefully slice horizontally into each chicken breast to form a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
- Stuff chicken breasts: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the spinach mixture and secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake chicken: Grease a baking dish with butter, transfer the seared chicken breasts into it, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove toothpicks and serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving to avoid any choking hazards.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before creating the pocket.
- Feel free to add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking.
