Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella & Ricotta

Looking for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner? These Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella & Ricotta are a game-changer! With a creamy ricotta filling and a golden, crispy exterior, these chicken breasts are baked to perfection in marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella & Ricotta

Let’s talk about a dish that feels like it was made for those cozy nights when you’re craving something hearty yet comforting. This stuffed chicken breast recipe is an absolute game-changer! Picture this: tender chicken, golden on the outside, with a creamy, cheesy filling that just oozes out when you cut into it. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and trust me, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or serving it at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

It’s super versatile too! You can make it as spicy as you like with a dash of red pepper flakes, or keep it mild for the kiddos. And, oh, that marinara sauce drizzled over the top? Pure magic. This dish hits all the right notes—comfort, flavor, and that “wow” factor that’ll make you feel like a total kitchen rockstar. You’re going to love it, I promise.

Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, yet the flavors come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. They’re juicy and tender, and when stuffed with a blend of cheeses, they become melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Ricotta Cheese: Smooth, creamy, and a little sweet, ricotta brings richness to the filling.

Shredded Mozzarella: A gooey, melty favorite that makes everything better.

Grated Parmesan: Adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the cheeses.

Fresh Spinach: A little pop of color and nutrition. It’s optional, but it gives the dish a fresh, herby flavor.

Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic is the perfect addition to any savory dish.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that irresistible, classic Italian flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick! Totally optional, but it brings a nice heat that balances the creaminess.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.

Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.

Marinara Sauce: You can’t go wrong with a rich, tangy marinara sauce to bring everything together.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps that make this dish as easy as it is delicious:

Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure everything cooks evenly. While that’s heating up, grab your chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into the side of each one. Don’t cut all the way through—you want to create a nice little pouch to stuff the filling in.

Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, spinach (if you’re using it), garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want it creamy and slightly thick so it stays in place when you stuff the chicken.

Stuff the Chicken:
Now comes the fun part! Take your ricotta mixture and stuff each chicken breast pocket with it, dividing the filling evenly between all four breasts. Be generous with the stuffing, but not so much that it’s spilling out everywhere (unless you’re okay with some cheesy mess!).

Sear the Chicken:
Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them on both sides until they’re golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. You want that crispy, flavorful exterior to lock in the juices and all the cheesy goodness inside.

Bake:
Pour your marinara sauce into the skillet around the chicken, making sure it’s nice and saucy. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of each chicken breast. Now, pop the skillet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is all melty and bubbly.

Serve:
Serve those stuffed chicken breasts hot, spooning that delicious marinara sauce over the top. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and savory. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 350-400 calories (approximate)

Prep Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella & Ricotta
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more special:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce.

Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of sour cream or a creamy dip can elevate the flavors even more.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like asparagus or zucchini, balance the richness of the dish and add some color to your plate.

Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing the night before and store it in the fridge for a faster dinner the next day.

Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

Dietary Adjustments: Want a dairy-free version? Swap out the cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan marinade.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the chicken moist.

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
A1: Sure! If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cream cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight before baking.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You can! Freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger skillet or bake in two batches, depending on the size of your pan. More stuffed chicken for everyone!

Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of this stuffed chicken—it’s one meal you’ll be making again and again!

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