If you are looking for a delightful and impressive dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken, the Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a beautiful, flavor-packed entrée stuffed with a luscious mixture of spinach and ricotta, all baked to golden perfection with a crispy cheesy topping. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but easy enough for a weeknight treat, making it a favorite to revisit time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, featuring simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing out the delicious layers of flavor and texture. From fresh spinach to a blend of cheeses, these staples create a comforting yet exciting dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Chicken breasts (boneless, no skin): The perfect canvas for stuffing, providing a tender and juicy base.
- Cooked spinach: Adds vibrant color and earthy flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it blends smoothly with the spinach for a luscious filling.
- Nutmeg: Just a hint enhances the sweetness of the ricotta and brings warmth to the filling.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a stunning golden crust.
- Cheddar cheese (grated): Provides a rich, melty topping with a touch of tanginess.
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 200C (400F). While it heats up, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully slice slits across each one about 3/4 inches apart. It’s super important not to slice all the way through the bottom—these pockets will hold all that cheesy spinach goodness!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lightly sprinkle salt and black pepper over the chicken breasts. This simple seasoning forms the foundation, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the delicate ingredients inside.
Step 3: Make the Spinach Ricotta Filling
Mix your cooked spinach and ricotta cheese in a bowl until well combined. Add a pinch of nutmeg at this point to give the filling a subtle warmth and depth. This mixture is creamy, fresh, and ready to elevate the chicken.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Now the fun part: stuff the spinach and ricotta mixture into each slit in the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy—fill them generously for maximum deliciousness. The layered filling will expand as it bakes, so having a well-stuffed chicken breast is absolutely perfect for this recipe.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle grated Parmesan and Cheddar evenly over the stuffed chicken breasts. This combination melts beautifully, creating a crispy, golden crust that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken and creamy filling beneath it.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking tray or a greased dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is bubbling and golden. The aroma alone at this stage is enough to make your kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant!
How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make beautiful garnishes for this dish. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan adds a nice salty touch, and a drizzle of olive oil can add a glossy finish that elevates presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
The richness of the Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Consider simple steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy filling. Roasted potatoes or garlic bread also complement the cheesy goodness and make for a filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, slice the chicken breasts crosswise to reveal the layered filling inside. Arrange the slices slightly fanned out on each plate with a colorful side. You can also serve them whole alongside a swirl of pesto or marinara sauce for a burst of color and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is great for quick lunches or an easy dinner that still feels special.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 180C (350F) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving works too but can make the chicken slightly less crispy, so an oven reheat is best to maintain that delicious cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of cooked spinach?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but be sure to sauté or steam it first to remove excess moisture. Raw spinach will release water during baking, which can make the filling watery.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese can work as a substitute if you’re out of ricotta, although ricotta’s creamy texture is preferred for this recipe. For a dairy-free option, a nut-based cheese might be used, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the cheeses and any seasonings you use don’t contain gluten additives. It’s a great low-carb option too.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F) and the juices run clear. Baking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in cooked mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like thyme or oregano to personalize your Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe. Just keep the balance so the filling isn’t too watery.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a special occasion while being easy to prepare. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of comforting flavors, and impressively elegant on the plate. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite chicken dish!
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Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken is a flavorful and visually appealing baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, and warm nutmeg. Topped with Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses, it bakes to golden perfection—a delicious and elegant meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 1 cup cooked spinach
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons grated Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully make horizontal slits about 3/4 inch apart along the width of each chicken breast, being cautious not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance the flavor.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach and ricotta cheese. Then season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, subtle spice.
- Stuff the chicken: Gently fill each slit in the chicken breasts with the spinach and ricotta mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed and generously packed for maximum flavor.
- Add the cheeses: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses over the top of the stuffed chicken breasts for a cheesy crust.
- Prepare for baking: Place the stuffed chicken breasts onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper or into a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and flavorful Spinach Ricotta Hasselback Chicken.
Notes
- Ensure not to slice completely through the chicken breasts to keep the filling secure.
- Overstuffing the slits makes the dish richer and more flavorful.
- Use fresh grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- Cook spinach beforehand and drain excess moisture to avoid soggy filling.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
