Description
A creamy and flavorful stuffed chicken dish featuring ricotta and a spicy honey glaze, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6.3 to 7 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra warmth)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice a deep pocket into the side of each, avoiding cutting all the way through.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley, basil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the ricotta mixture, securing any openings with toothpicks if needed.
- Rub the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne over low heat, stirring until blended (about 2 minutes).
- Place the stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish and brush half of the hot honey glaze on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the tops. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a make-ahead option, prepare the ricotta mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Consider serving with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg