Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls offer a flavorful and comforting dinner option that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Filled with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs, these chicken rolls are perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded flat
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine, as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the filling until smooth and well mixed.
3. Step 3: Lay each chicken breast flat on a clean surface. Spoon an even amount of the filling onto each piece, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken rolls for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Transfer the seared rolls to a baking dish, pour marinara sauce over them, and optionally sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rolls rest for 5 minutes after baking. Remove toothpicks or twine, slice into pinwheels, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant garlic flavor.
• Substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green taste.
• Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the filling for extra color and flavor.
• Serve with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, to maintain the flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken rolls in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. Just be sure to sear and bake them shortly before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

If you prefer, you can substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce, pesto, or a simple olive oil and garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 691 reviews

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls offer a cozy and elegant dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy ricotta and fresh herb filling. Searing creates a golden crust before baking in savory marinara sauce for juicy, flavorful pinwheels perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded flat)

For the 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 (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

For Cooking

• 1 cup Marinara Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
• 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for spice)
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine (as needed to secure rolls)

Instructions

1. Prepare 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 and easier rolling.
2. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
3. Assemble Rolls: Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean surface. Spoon the herb and cheese filling onto each breast, then tightly roll up the chicken around the filling. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep them intact while cooking.
4. Sear Chicken Rolls: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Bake in Sauce: Transfer the seared rolls to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow the rolls to rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine, slice the rolls into pinwheels, and serve warm with the sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

• For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts uniformly to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or omit it if preferred.
• Fresh herbs elevate the flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
• Use low-fat ricotta for a lighter version without compromising creaminess.
• Ensure to secure the rolls well to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: herbed ricotta stuffed chicken, chicken rolls, baked chicken, Italian chicken recipes, cozy dinner ideas