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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast

creamy lemon ricotta stuffed chicken breast - featured image

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, tangy lemon-ricotta filling, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz / 170225 g each)
  • 1 cup (8 oz / 250 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each breast without cutting all the way through.
  4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture evenly into each chicken pocket. Do not overstuff. Secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. Lightly season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with salt and pepper.
  6. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven or move the chicken to a baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  8. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.

Notes

Do not overstuff the chicken pockets to prevent filling leakage. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Fresh lemon zest is preferred over bottled for better brightness. If no oven-safe skillet is available, transfer chicken to a baking dish after searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast, stuffed chicken, ricotta cheese, lemon, easy dinner, quick recipe, creamy filling, healthy chicken