When it comes to a simple weeknight meal, this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is one of the best. Made with chicken breasts, frozen spinach, and ricotta cheese, the flavor of this stuffed chicken will have everyone coming back for more. Low carb, gluten free, and grain free!
Stuffed chicken breasts are such a simple recipe, yet one that many people tend to shy away from. While it may look complicated to make, I promise you that it's not. The hardest part of this spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe is being patient enough for it to get done cooking. Why pay big bucks at a restaurant when you can easily recreate this dish yourself?
When it comes to adding healthy vegetables and nutrients into your daily diet, spinach is a great choice. This superfood, paired with the rest of the ingredients, creates a flavor combination that everyone will love. Add a few sides or a nice simple salad, and you've got quite the hearty and flavorful meal.
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Be sure to check out my Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breast for another way to create a stuffed chicken recipe easily right at home.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - This is the easiest and juiciest cut of chicken to work with for this recipe.
Frozen spinach - Be sure that you drain off all the excess water before adding.
Ricotta cheese - This pairs perfectly with spinach, giving it a creamy texture. I also love goat cheese in this recipe.
Egg white - The egg white helps bind together the ingredients that are used to stuff the chicken. The helps prevent the filling from oozing out.
Salt and black pepper - You can add to the ricotta mixture to taste. And then you'll want to sprinkle more on the outside of the chicken.
Olive oil - Used to hold the added salt and pepper to the top of the chicken breasts and to also cook in the skillet.
Butter - Adds richness to the chicken.
How To Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken
Step One: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step Two: Add the ricotta cheese, egg white, frozen spinach, and salt and pepper to a bowl and mix well.
Step Three: Butterfly the chicken breasts and then add the spinach mixture into the middle. Once full, fold the other portion of the cut chicken over the top, creating that stuffed effect and look.
Step Four: Add the seasoning to the top of the chicken breasts.
Step Five: Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet and let it get hot. Once the oil is hot, place into a skillet to sear both sides of the chicken.
Step Six: After searing both sides, transfer the pan to the oven and finish cooking for 15-20 minutes.
Expert Tip: Make sure that the skillet that your using is oven safe. If it's not, you can add the chicken to a baking dish easily and put it into the oven that way.
Variations
Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper are great but you can also opt for other seasonings. Garlic and fresh parsley are nice options as well. More spices are great for changing up the taste.
Cream cheese - Adding cream cheese to the stuffing adds a nice richness and texture.
Fresh spinach - If you want to use fresh spinach, just saute it up a bit in a skillet with some extra virgin olive oil before adding it to the recipe.
Cheese - Adding mozzarella cheese on top is perfect for cheese fans. You can also add some into the pocket of the chicken as well, with the rest of the ingredients. Parmesan cheese is another great addition.
Lemon juice - Talk about a fun way to add more flavor without any extra calories or carbs! You can add a tad bit of lemon juice into the stuffed mixture or even squeeze some on top of the chicken breasts before eating.
Pan sauce - Deglaze the pan with some white wine and chicken broth, toss in a few garlic cloves for flavor, simmer a few minutes, and then thicken with a pinch of xanthan gum. Strain out the garlic and serve the sauce with the chicken.
Common Questions
How do you keep the stuffing inside the chicken without a seal or a seam?
You just have to be really careful when you're flipping the chicken in the skillet. Make sure that you have a large skillet and plenty of room so that you can slowly and carefully flip it. I add egg white to the filling to help prevent it leaking out.
How do you know the chicken is done cooking and ready to eat?
To be safe, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The reading should show at least 165 degrees to be considered safe to eat.
Why is my chicken sticking to the baking dish?
You'll want to add some cooking spray to the skillet or baking dish prior to adding the chicken. This will prevent it from sticking and make it easier to serve.
What should I serve with Ricotta Stuffed Chicken?
I like to serve with a green vegetable such as green beans or broccoli and a side of keto mashed cauliflower. Other nice choices are a side salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower rice.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb chicken breasts
- 10 oz frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg white
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Combine the filling ingredients in a small bowl.
- Butterfly each chicken breast and divide the filling between the breasts. Close the flap around the filling. Sprinkle the outside with salt and pepper.
- Heat the butter and oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear both sides of the chicken.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until 165 on a meat thermometer.
Ashley says
Could you use full fat cottage cheese? I dislike ricotta a lot!
Taryn says
Sure
Sandra says
I've made this a few times and it is always a hit.
Dana says
This chicken is full of flavor! Everyone loved this recipe, it is definitely a keeper.
Natalie says
Wow, this stuffed chicken is something everyone should try. We enjoyed it so much yesterday, thanks!!