Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and herbs. Seared for a golden crust and baked in rich marinara sauce, these stuffed chicken rolls offer a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Filling
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded flat to about 1/2 inch thickness)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (creamy and lower in fat)
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (can be omitted or replaced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Searing and Baking
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for spice)
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine (as needed for securing rolls)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Stuff and Roll Chicken: Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean surface. Spoon the herbed ricotta filling onto each breast, then roll tightly and secure the rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the Rolls: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken rolls in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Transfer and Bake: Place the seared chicken rolls in a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the rolls, optionally sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rolls rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine, slice into pinwheels, and serve warm with sauce spooned over.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or omit it entirely if preferred.
- For added flavor, incorporate fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
- If Parmesan cheese is not available, Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add red chili paste to the marinara sauce.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine securely to prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Rolls, Baked Chicken Rolls, Italian Chicken Recipe, Ricotta Chicken, Spinach Stuffed Chicken