Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for seasoning) - 1 cup spinach leaves - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing The main ingredients for Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are simple yet full of flavor. You start with chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. These are easy to work with and cook evenly. For the filling, you need ricotta cheese, which gives a creamy texture, and Parmesan cheese, adding a rich taste. Fresh herbs are key. I love using basil and parsley for their bright flavors. They bring a fresh taste that works well with the creamy filling. Garlic and lemon zest add depth to the mix. Salt, pepper, and paprika round out the seasoning, making each bite tasty. Spinach leaves add a nice touch. They complement the cheese filling and add a bit of color. You will also need olive oil for cooking and either toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the rolls together. Each part of this dish comes together to create a meal that is flavorful and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I mix the cheeses and herbs. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Next, include 1 minced garlic clove and the zest of 1 lemon. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until creamy and smooth. This filling gives the chicken rolls a burst of flavor. Now, let’s prepare the chicken. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Carefully slice each one horizontally to create a pocket. Make sure not to cut all the way through. Once you have your pockets, spread a generous tablespoon of the herbed ricotta mixture into each one. On top of the filling, add a few spinach leaves for extra color and nutrition. Then, roll up each chicken breast tightly. Secure the rolls using toothpicks or kitchen twine. Let’s cook these delicious rolls. Start by seasoning the outside of each chicken roll with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken rolls in the skillet and sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. Once cooked, take the skillet out and let the rolls rest for 5 minutes. Finally, remove the toothpicks or twine, slice the rolls, and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To make great herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls, start by securing the chicken well. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the rolls tight. This keeps all the tasty filling inside. Make sure to not cut the chicken all the way through when you create pockets. A deep pocket helps keep your filling secure without spilling out. Avoiding overstuffing is key. Fill each chicken breast pocket with just enough ricotta mixture. Too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to spills during cooking. Remember, you want each bite to be balanced. To get juicy chicken, monitor the internal temperature closely. The perfect temperature is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Checking ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out. After cooking, let the chicken rest for about five minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute. Resting makes each bite tender and moist. For a vibrant dish, arrange the sliced chicken rolls on a beautiful platter. Drizzle some olive oil on top. This adds shine and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra herbs for a fresh touch. Serve the rolls with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. This not only makes your meal colorful but also adds nutrition. Garnishing your dish creates a feast for the eyes, making it more enjoyable for everyone! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of the ricotta filling. If possible, opt for fresh basil and parsley instead of dried herbs for a vibrant taste. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more filling, overstuffing can make it difficult to roll the chicken tightly and may lead to leakage during cooking. Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roll. Serve with a Sauce: Consider pairing the chicken rolls with a light lemon butter sauce or a marinara for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with different cheeses. Try using mozzarella or feta for a fun twist. If you want a creamier texture, go for mascarpone. You can also swap the greens. Kale or arugula work well in place of spinach. Feel free to play with seasonings. If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. These small changes can make a big difference. To take your chicken rolls to the next level, think about adding sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a sweet and tangy taste. Chopped olives add a nice briny kick, too. You can also incorporate different herbs. Rosemary or thyme can bring new flavors to the dish. Experimenting with different herbs will keep it fresh and exciting. Just remember to balance the flavors so one does not overpower the others. If you need a gluten-free option, this dish is already safe. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a nut-based cheese in place of ricotta and Parmesan. If you're following a low-carb diet, skip the breading and focus on the chicken and filling. This recipe can easily fit into your meal plan with these small tweaks. Enjoy customizing it to suit your needs! To keep your Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them flavorful. You can safely store cooked rolls for up to three days. After that, they may lose taste and texture. Freezing the rolls is easy and a great way to save them for later. First, let the cooked rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them safe from freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the rolls in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warm. To avoid food spoilage, always cool your chicken rolls before storing. Bacteria thrive in warm conditions. Make sure they cool for no more than two hours before placing them in the fridge or freezer. This helps keep your meal safe and tasty. Cook the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven. First, sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side in a skillet. This gives them a nice golden color. After searing, place the skillet in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Thighs can work well since they stay juicy. You might also try chicken tenders, but adjust cooking times. If using bone-in pieces, cook longer. Just remember that the stuffing method stays the same. Each cut offers a unique taste and texture. You can prep the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls a day in advance. Prepare the filling and stuff the chicken. Cover them tightly and store in the fridge. When ready to cook, take them out about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. You can also freeze the rolls. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. This way, you save time on busy days. In this blog post, we explored making Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, cheeses, and fresh herbs. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the rolls. Tips for perfect results and variations for flavor were shared too. Keep experimenting with ingredients to suit your taste. Cooking is all about making recipes your own. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!$

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Delicious chicken rolls stuffed with a creamy herbed ricotta filling.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup spinach leaves
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Spread a generous tablespoon of the herbed ricotta mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Add a few spinach leaves on top of the filling.
Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.
Season the outside of the rolls with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken rolls and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine.
Slice the chicken rolls on a diagonal and serve warm.

Notes

Arrange the sliced chicken rolls on a platter, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle some extra herbs on top for garnish. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, herbs, ricotta, stuffed