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