Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls make a delicious and elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture and baked in marinara sauce create a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
3. Step 3: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
4. Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each flattened chicken breast.
5. Step 5: Carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
6. Step 6: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Step 7: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce evenly over them.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Step 9: Remove the toothpicks carefully before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach in the ricotta mixture for added flavor and texture.
• Try substituting fresh basil with oregano or thyme for a different herb profile.
• To keep chicken moist, avoid overcooking and check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

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) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Sear and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese can work as a substitute, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 149 reviews

These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a delicious and elegant dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. They’re seared to perfection for a golden crust, then baked in marinara sauce to keep them juicy and infused with Italian flavors.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Other:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken rolls after searing.
2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning thoroughly to create the herbed cheese filling.
3. Flatten Chicken: Use a meat mallet to gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness, which helps with even cooking and easier rolling.
4. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the herbed ricotta mixture across each flattened chicken breast, ensuring full coverage to maximize flavor inside.
5. Roll Chicken: Carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly around the filling and secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep them intact during cooking.
6. Sear Rolls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken rolls on all sides until they develop a golden brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Bake: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish, pour marinara sauce evenly over them, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
8. Serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls before serving and spoon extra marinara over the top if desired.

Notes

• To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried basil if fresh herbs are unavailable.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Serve with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• To prep ahead, assemble rolls and refrigerate them before searing and baking.

Keywords: Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Rolls, Italian Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Easy Dinner