One evening, after a long day, I looked through my fridge for dinner. I thought about takeout, but wanted something special. Then, I saw the fresh herbs from the farmer’s market and had an idea.
Why not make an herb ricotta stuffed chicken breast? It was simple, yet sounded delicious. The creamy ricotta and fresh herbs made my kitchen smell amazing.
As I ate, I was amazed by how simple it was. This dish brought me so much joy. If you’re looking for a tasty and easy meal, try this herb ricotta stuffed chicken breast. It’s sure to become your favorite.
Introduction to Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast
This recipe is simple yet impressive. It’s great for weeknight dinners or big gatherings. It mixes chicken’s tender flavor with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs.
Chicken is full of lean protein, making it good for healthy meals. This dish is comforting and nutritious. Ricotta adds creaminess and vitamins, making it healthier.
You can add spinach or zucchini for more nutrients. This dish feels like home, pleasing both health fans and comfort food lovers. Try new versions like Chicken and Ricotta Lasagna for more fun.
Learning to bake or pan-fry can make each dish special. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and flavor. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for days or freeze them for months.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | Approximately 280 |
| Storage Duration (Refrigerated) | 3-5 days |
| Storage Duration (Frozen) | 2-3 months |
| Lean Protein Source | Chicken |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein, low in saturated fat, provides calcium and B12 |
Benefits of Cooking with Herbs
Cooking with herbs makes my meals tasty and good for me. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil add flavor and nutrients. They help make dishes yummy without too much salt.
Herbs are great in many recipes, like the Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast. This dish is tasty and healthy. It shows how cooking with herbs can make meals better for you.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of using fresh herbs in cooking:
| Herb | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Rosemary | High in antioxidants and may improve digestion |
| Thyme | Rich in vitamin C and may assist in respiratory health |
| Basil | Contains anti-inflammatory properties and essential oils |
Using herbs in my meals lets me make healthy chicken recipes. These recipes are tasty and help me eat well. Herbs make every dish a fun and healthy meal.
Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
This stuffed chicken breast recipe makes a simple dinner special. It combines creamy ricotta cheese with fresh herbs. This dish is a flavorful meal that’s perfect for quick dinners.
Ingredients for the Herb Ricotta Filling
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, diced
- 1 teaspoon runny honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Chicken Preparation Steps
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them thin and flat. This makes them cook evenly and holds the filling well.
Cooking Instructions
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, diced sage, diced rosemary, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Put the herb ricotta filling on each chicken breast. Fold the breast over to cover the filling. Use toothpicks to keep it closed if needed.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each stuffed chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, put them in a baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through. This recipe makes two servings, about 345 calories each. It’s a healthy choice for dinner.
Why Ricotta Cheese is a Great Option
Ricotta cheese is a top pick for stuffing chicken. It’s creamy and mild, blending well with herbs. It’s also low in fat and carbs, perfect for a low carb dish.
This cheese is not just tasty. It’s also full of calcium, which is good for health. Adding it to chicken makes the dish richer and healthier. It’s a favorite for special meals.
Using ricotta with herbs like basil and parsley is a treat. Many like to cook the chicken flat for even cooking. People love adding parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese (1/2 cup) | 216 | 6g | 14g | 16g |
| Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup) | 138 | 1g | 12g | 9g |
| Total (per serving) | 323 | 5g | 33g | 19g |
Cooking time for stuffed chicken is about 30 minutes at 450F. Then, lower the heat to 400F until it’s 180F inside. This makes a tasty, healthy meal.
Easy Dinner Recipes with Chicken
Chicken is a top pick for easy dinners because it’s so versatile. Making quick chicken meals is fun and rewarding. The Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a favorite of mine. It shows how to make a great dish fast with simple ingredients.
This recipe is quick to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes. You can sauté garlic and spinach or mix ricotta and Parmesan. It serves six, perfect for family dinners.
Looking for more ideas? Try chicken stir-fry or baked chicken thighs. These recipes are easy to make and offer different tastes. You can also change them up to suit your taste, like using cream cheese instead of ricotta.
When time is tight, make-ahead meals are a lifesaver. The Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken can be made ahead. Then, bake it at 400 degrees F or reheat it in the oven or microwave. Using chicken makes cooking on busy nights much easier.
| Chicken Recipe | Preparation Time | Serving Size | Cooking Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken | Under 10 minutes | Serves 6 | 400°F |
| Chicken Stir-Fry | 15 minutes | Serves 4 | High heat |
| Baked Chicken Thighs | 15 minutes | Serves 4 | 375°F |
Healthy Chicken Recipes for Every Occasion
I love finding healthy chicken recipes for any time. Herb Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a favorite. It’s good for my family and uses fresh ingredients.
Looking for quick, healthy dinners can be hard. But, chicken recipes are easy and tasty. They’re perfect for busy days.
Healthy chicken recipes often use fresh herbs and veggies. This recipe has spinach and ricotta for a creamy taste. It’s low in calories, with about 387 per serving.
Adding herb-filled chicken to my meals has changed dinner time. I can make healthy, tasty dishes for any event. These recipes are now a big part of our meals.
Variations on Stuffed Chicken Breast
Trying new things with stuffed chicken breast makes meals fun. I can change up the ingredients and flavors. This way, I can make tasty ricotta chicken bakes that everyone likes.
Adding Vegetables to the Filling
I add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta. These veggies make the dish colorful and healthy. They make the chicken look and taste great.
Alternative Cheeses and Herbs
Trying different cheeses and herbs is exciting. Using goat cheese instead of ricotta adds a tangy taste. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme makes it fancy. These changes lead to new recipes I love to make.
| Variation | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato | Ricotta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes | Light, fresh, slightly tangy |
| Goat Cheese and Herbs | Goat cheese, fresh rosemary, thyme | Rich, earthy, aromatic |
| Mexican Inspired | Queso fresco, corn, cilantro | Spicy, sweet, zesty |
| Pesto and Mozzarella | Pesto sauce, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes | Herbaceous, creamy, savory |
How to Pair with Sides
Enjoying my herb ricotta stuffed chicken breast is better with the right sides. The right sides make the meal even more special. They add variety and nutrition to my plate.
Vegetable Options
Seasonal vegetables add freshness and color to my meal. I love to pair it with:
- Roasted asparagus with garlic
- Sautéed green beans tossed in olive oil
- Steamed broccoli topped with lemon zest
- Mixed seasonal vegetables, lightly sautéed
These veggies bring new textures and flavors to my dish.
Carb Options: Potatoes and Couscous
I also pick carb options for a complete meal. My top picks are:
- Garlic mashed potatoes, creamy and smooth
- Roasted baby potatoes, seasoned to perfection
- Couscous mixed with herbs and spices
- Quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber
These carbs add heartiness to my meal. Mixing veggies and carbs makes my plate colorful and nutritious.
Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken Breast
Making a stuffed chicken breast is fun and rewarding. I’ve got some tips to help you make a tasty, mess-free meal. With the right chicken and filling, you’ll get great results.
Avoiding Cheese Leakage
One big challenge is stopping cheese from leaking out. Too much filling can cause a mess. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Put just the right amount of filling in.
- Use toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- Wrap the chicken in parchment paper for extra protection.
Choosing the Right Chicken Breasts
The quality and size of chicken breasts matter a lot. Here’s what to look for:
- Choose boneless, skinless breasts for easier stuffing.
- Look for breasts that are the same size for even cooking.
- Fresh breasts taste and feel better than frozen ones.
| Aspect | Tips |
|---|---|
| Avoiding Cheese Leakage | Do not overstuff the chicken; use toothpicks for securing. |
| Choosing Chicken Breasts | Go for boneless, skinless breasts of a uniform size. |
| Quality | Always prefer fresh chicken for better outcomes. |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The herb ricotta stuffed chicken breast is a great meal. It’s healthy and full of flavor. It has creamy ricotta cheese, feta, and spinach.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special events. The fresh herbs make it taste amazing. It’s a meal everyone will love.
This dish is very flexible. You can try different cheeses or add seasonal veggies. It’s a favorite in my kitchen.
It’s easy to make and good for you. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you have guests. I’m excited to share it with my loved ones.
