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Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

4.8 from 6 reviews

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, then seared and baked in marinara sauce for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing rolls)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut through the other side. Alternatively, pound the chicken flat between two sheets of plastic wrap to ensure even cooking.
  2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Stuff the Chicken: Take a generous amount of the herbed ricotta mixture and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket without overfilling. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken rolls in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the marinara sauce over the seared stuffed chicken rolls, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if using, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before removing toothpicks or twine. Serve the rolls drizzled with the marinara sauce and garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair with pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overfill the chicken pockets to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
  • Using kitchen twine can help secure the rolls better than toothpicks, especially if overfilled slightly.
  • Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: herbed ricotta stuffed chicken, chicken rolls, ricotta cheese chicken, Italian stuffed chicken, baked chicken recipe