Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
- Meat mallet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Using a meat mallet, pound chicken breasts until they are an even thickness.
4. Cut a slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast to create a pocket for the stuffing.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and ricotta mixture, using toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 357
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 47g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil or other herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
- Use goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangy twist.
- Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon before baking for added richness.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts, as the stuffing may leak out during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat stuffed chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed chicken breasts sliced on a bed of fresh spinach or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the stuffing leaks out during cooking, try using more toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening.
Food safety advice:
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Stuffed chicken breasts have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a savory and creamy flavor, with a hint of garlic and basil.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
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