Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy ricotta mixture infused with fresh basil, parsley, thyme, garlic, and parmesan. This recipe combines searing and baking techniques to achieve a golden, juicy chicken with a rich, herbaceous filling perfect for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Stuffing
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Butterfly Chicken: Take each chicken breast and carefully slice horizontally through the middle, stopping before cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Generously spoon the ricotta herb mixture into each chicken breast pocket, then secure the openings using toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Rub the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for five minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and ensure tender, juicy bites.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at 1/3 the amount.
- Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before butterflying.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
- If you prefer, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
