Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

If you’re craving a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and greens — look no further than this Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken! 🍗🌿 This dish is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance: juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a rich, garlicky mixture of ricotta, spinach, and parmesan, baked to golden perfection. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for date night or family dinners. 💖

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The Story Behind the Recipe

There’s something magical about stuffed chicken — it turns a humble chicken breast into a masterpiece! I first made this recipe on a cozy Sunday evening when I wanted something hearty yet wholesome. I had leftover ricotta from lasagna and fresh spinach in the fridge. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, creamy, flavorful chicken that quickly became a weekly favorite.

Now, it’s one of my go-to comfort meals — especially when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. 🍴✨

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

💚 Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor
🍗 Juicy chicken with a golden crust and cheesy filling
🧄 Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
⏱️ Ready in under 40 minutes
🔥 High in protein, low in carbs, and totally satisfying

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Ingredients – Simple & Delicious

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
• 1 cup fresh spinach (sautéed and chopped) 🌿
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Topping (optional):

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs mixed with a drizzle of olive oil for crunch
• Extra parmesan for garnish

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Stir until creamy and well combined. 🧀🌿

Step 3: Butterfly the Chicken
Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Carefully slice it horizontally (without cutting all the way through) to create a pocket. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the ricotta-spinach mixture into each pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks so the filling doesn’t spill out.

Step 5: Sear for Flavor
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken on each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet (or place chicken into a baking dish) and bake for 18–22 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and juicy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove toothpicks, sprinkle extra parmesan on top, and serve warm. The cheesy filling oozing out of the tender chicken is pure comfort on a plate. 😍🍗

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Serving Suggestions – Make It a Full Meal

🍝 Pair with garlic butter pasta or creamy mashed potatoes.
🥗 Add a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette.
🥦 Serve with roasted veggies like asparagus, carrots, or zucchini.
🍷 Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade.

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Flavor Variations You’ll Love

🧀 Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.
🌶️ Mix in a little cream cheese for an extra rich filling.
🍋 Add lemon zest to the filling for a light citrusy note.
🥓 Wrap in prosciutto or bacon for a salty, smoky upgrade.
🍅 Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella for an Italian flair.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
🚫 Avoid microwaving for too long — it may make the filling watery.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 47g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out all excess water before mixing.

2. Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
You can use cream cheese or cottage cheese instead — both work great.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — stuff the chicken ahead and refrigerate. Just bake before serving.

4. Can I make it in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Try crushed almonds or panko for a crisp topping.

6. Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low-carb and high in protein.

7. Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze uncooked stuffed chicken, then thaw before baking.

8. How do I prevent filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to secure edges and avoid overstuffing.

9. Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully too.

10. What sauce goes well with it?
Garlic cream sauce or a drizzle of basil pesto complements it perfectly. 🌿

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Final Thoughts

This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is creamy, wholesome, and utterly delicious. 💚 Each bite gives you the perfect mix of juicy chicken and velvety cheese — it’s comfort food that feels fancy without being fussy. Whether for a family dinner or a romantic meal, this dish is sure to impress every time.

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🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

If you loved this recipe, make sure to follow @mamacooksdinner on Pinterest for more drool-worthy chicken recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas! 🌿🍗✨

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