The Best Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Spinach ricotta stuffed chicken reimagines an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds and elevates home cooking.

Lean proteins merge with creamy, vibrant fillings in this elegant dish that promises restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

Mediterranean influences shine through the combination of tender chicken and rich, velvety cheese blended with earthy green vegetables.

Soft ricotta creates a luxurious interior that melts beautifully when heated, infusing each bite with incredible depth of flavor.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such sophisticated results with minimal effort.

Multiple textures dance across your palate—crisp exterior giving way to smooth, herbaceous inner layers that surprise and delight.

Strategic seasoning ensures every mouthful bursts with harmonious, balanced flavors that feel both comforting and exciting.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken That’s Simple and Impressive

• Burst with Creamy Flavor: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious, rich filling that melts in your mouth with each tender bite of chicken.
• Sneak in Healthy Greens: Packed with nutrient-dense spinach, this recipe transforms a simple chicken dish into a wholesome meal that sneaks extra vegetables onto your plate without sacrificing taste.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Technique: The method of searing then baking gives you perfectly golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, mimicking professional chef techniques right in your own kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the stuffed dish, best when fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that complement the chicken's natural taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and foundation to the stuffing.
• Fresh Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and nutritious leafy texture to the filling.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh herb notes and visual appeal.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy cheese combination that creates rich, melty filling with varied textures and sharp flavor profiles.

• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the cheese and vegetable mixture together.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds earthy, slightly peppery undertone.
• Nutmeg: Subtle warm spice that enhances the overall complexity of the filling.

Easy Instructions for Cooking Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

• Grab chicken breasts
• Pat them dry with paper towels
• Slice a deep pocket into each breast's thickest section
• Season generously with salt and pepper

Step 3: Create Vibrant Filling

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil

Cook until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Leafy Greens

• Chopped spinach
• Fresh parsley

Cook until spinach droops and wilts, around 2-3 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Egg yolk
• Dried oregano
• Pinch of nutmeg

Fold in cooled spinach mixture until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Stuff Chicken Pockets

Carefully spoon cheese mixture into chicken pockets. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 7: Sear To Golden Perfection

• 5-7 minutes on first side
• 5 minutes on second side

Achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 8: Bake Until Juicy

Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 16-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes. Slice and enjoy the delicious, creamy-filled masterpiece.

Tips for Getting a Golden Crust and Creamy Filling

• Slice Strategically: Create a clean pocket in the chicken breast by using a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, ensuring you don't cut completely through the meat.
• Balance Moisture: Use fresh ricotta and squeeze out excess water from spinach to prevent a watery filling that could make the chicken soggy.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper- they enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and help create a delicious golden crust.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Rest Wisely: Allow the chicken to sit after cooking so internal juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent final dish.

Keep Stuffed Chicken Fresh with These Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken will maintain quality for up to 2 months when frozen properly.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the stuffing's texture and chicken's moisture.

Sides That Pair Well with Stuffed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy spinach ricotta flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness while complementing the herb notes.
• Serve with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Create a harmonious side dish using zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant roasted with olive oil and herbs, matching the Mediterranean-inspired chicken's flavor profile.
• Complement with Light Citrus Salad: Prepare a fresh mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette and light herbs like basil, providing a bright contrast to the dense, cheesy chicken and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious pan juices and cheese mixture, adding textural variety and extra enjoyment to the meal.

Ingredient Ideas to Switch Up the Stuffed Chicken Filling

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace ricotta with crumbled feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the spinach mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Punch: Incorporate cooked quinoa into the cheese mixture, adding extra protein and creating a heartier stuffed chicken that's perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in diced green chiles, swap parsley for cilantro, and add a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder to give the dish a zesty Tex-Mex kick.
• Creamy Herb Garden: Blend fresh basil, thyme, and chives into the cheese mixture, then top with a light cream sauce made from white wine and chicken broth for an elegant, herbaceous version.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts showcase creamy ricotta and fresh spinach in this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Herb-infused and baked to golden perfection, you’ll savor each delectable bite of this elegant main course.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Aromatics and Herbs:

• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Seasonings and Binding:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 egg yolk
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), preparing an environment for perfect chicken transformation.
2. Gently pat chicken breasts until completely dry, creating a clean surface for culinary artistry.
3. Strategically slice a generous pocket along the thickest portion of each breast, maintaining structural integrity with delicate precision.
4. Generously season chicken surfaces with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, enhancing potential flavor profiles.
5. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, introducing diced onions and minced garlic to develop a fragrant aromatic base.
6. Incorporate chopped spinach and parsley into the skillet, allowing gentle wilting and moisture reduction until ingredients harmonize.
7. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg yolk, oregano, and nutmeg in a mixing vessel, creating a luxurious cheese blend.
8. Fold the cooled spinach mixture into the cheese combination, ensuring complete and uniform integration.
9. Carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the verdant cheese mixture, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
10. Return skillet to medium-high heat, introducing remaining olive oil for a golden sear on chicken surfaces.
11. Execute a precise sear, developing rich caramelization by cooking 5-7 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful golden complexion.
12. Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven, allowing chicken to complete cooking for 16-20 minutes.
13. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
14. Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes, permitting internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Notes

• Freezing this dish works best when prepared before the final baking stage, preserving maximum flavor and texture integrity.
• Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach by thoroughly draining and squeezing out excess moisture to prevent watery filling.
• Customize cheese blend by experimenting with goat cheese or fontina for unique tangy and creamy variations that elevate the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg