Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, seared to a golden brown, then baked in marinara sauce for a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded flat for even cooking)
Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (creamy and lower in fat)
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (can be omitted or replaced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (always opt for fresh)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (adds freshness)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauces and Oils
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (consider using homemade or alternative sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for spice)
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine (as needed, for securing rolls)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well mixed.
- Stuff and Roll: Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean surface. Spoon the prepared ricotta and herb filling evenly onto each breast. Roll each breast tightly, then secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the Rolls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken rolls into the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden brown and nicely caramelized.
- Bake the Chicken Rolls: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the rolls to infuse flavor and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks or twine, then slice into pinwheels and serve warm, garnished with optional crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
Notes
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied before pounding to a uniform thickness if preferred.
- Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Homemade marinara sauce adds a personal touch but store-bought brands work well for convenience.
- For a low-fat version, use part-skim ricotta cheese and reduce olive oil amount.
- Removing toothpicks before slicing ensures safer consumption and better presentation.
Keywords: herbed ricotta stuffed chicken, chicken rolls, baked chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, ricotta cheese chicken
