Description
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!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or tomato sauce
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, taking care not to cut all the way through.
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Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, spinach (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
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Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the breasts.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Bake: Pour the marinara or tomato sauce into the skillet around the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Serve the stuffed chicken breasts hot, spooning the marinara sauce over the top.
Notes
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If you’re short on time, you can make the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before using.
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For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
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You can also use pesto instead of marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 105mg