Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls for a Cozy Dinner Delight is a warm and inviting dish that brings comfort to our dinner table. The lovely combination of creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and tender chicken creates the perfect meal to gather around with family and friends.
I remember my dad, James, always experimenting with chicken recipes when we were kids. Sometimes, I would sit beside him, eager to learn and taste the results of his culinary adventures. I hope these chicken rolls give you a taste of that warm nostalgia!
What You’ll Need
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Pound them flat for even cooking.)
- 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.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (Consider using homemade or alternative sauce.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For searing.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for spice.)
- as needed Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine (For securing rolls.)
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
- Meat mallet for pounding chicken
- Mixing bowl for the filling
- Baking dish for cooking
- Skillet for searing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Bringing It All Together
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken breasts flat to ensure even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Roll each chicken breast tightly and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken rolls on each side until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before removing toothpicks or twine to serve.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
Feel free to swap the spinach for kale or other leafy greens that you enjoy. If you like a cheesy kick, add some shredded mozzarella inside the rolls. You can also try using different herbs, like thyme or oregano, for a unique flavor twist.
How We Love to Serve It
I love serving these chicken rolls with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. The balance of flavors makes for a delightful and satisfying meal.
A Few Tips For Success
Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and don’t skip the searing step; it adds a lovely crust. If you have leftovers, they can be vacuum-sealed and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Saving Some For Later
To save leftovers, place any uneaten chicken rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for about three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you enjoy making these Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls as much as I do! Cooking together creates memories, and these rolls are part of the joy in my kitchen.
Your Questions, Answered
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese in Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use mascarpone for a creamier texture, or cottage cheese for a lower-fat option. Just be sure to blend it well for a smoother consistency before mixing in the other ingredients.
Can I prepare the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to a day ahead of time. Just keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them a little longer if they are cold straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the chicken rolls are fully cooked?
The best way to check if the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roll; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken to ensure there is no pink meat remaining.
Print
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and inviting dish featuring creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and tender chicken, perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 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
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken breasts flat to ensure even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Roll each chicken breast tightly and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken rolls on each side until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before removing toothpicks or twine to serve.
Notes
Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and don’t skip the searing step; it adds a lovely crust. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, ricotta, herbed rolls, comfort food, Italian dinner