Description
Tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with herby ricotta, sautéed spinach, and smothered in bubbly mozzarella cheese—this Baked Ricotta Chicken is a total comfort meal disguised as a healthy dinner. This easy recipe is packed with flavor, ideal for a quick dinner, low-carb meal, or protein-packed weeknight fix. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions when you want something delicious without fuss.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta, cooked spinach, ⅓ cup Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Spoon the ricotta filling into each chicken breast pocket evenly.
6. Place stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish. Top each with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
7. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped basil and serve hot.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness—165°F internal temperature.
Make-ahead tip: You can stuff the chicken a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Swap fresh spinach with thawed frozen spinach (just squeeze out excess moisture).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: baked chicken, ricotta chicken, stuffed chicken, low-carb chicken, healthy dinner