Herbed ricotta stuffed chicken

Herbed ricotta stuffed chicken is one of those recipes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s surprisingly straightforward to make. I love how the creamy ricotta filling stays perfectly moist inside the tender chicken, creating an elegant dinner that never fails to impress.

I first made this herbed ricotta stuffed chicken for a dinner party, and my guests couldn’t believe how simple it was. The combination of fresh herbs with rich ricotta and Parmesan creates a filling that’s both light and indulgent. This stuffed chicken breast recipe has become my go-to when I want something special without the stress. The pan sauce at the end brings everything together with a touch of cream and bright lemon that makes each bite even more delicious.

What You’ll Need for This Stuffed Chicken

I always use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest filling. Pro tip: drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before mixing to prevent the filling from being too watery.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained if watery
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pro tip: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in this ricotta stuffed chicken recipe. Dried herbs won’t give you the same vibrant flavor and color.

How to Make Perfect Stuffed Chicken Rolls

I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start, as the cooking process moves quickly once the chicken hits the pan.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the chicken cooks through while staying juicy.

Step 2: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Work from the center outward to avoid tearing. The even thickness is crucial for this herbed ricotta stuffed chicken to cook uniformly.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, basil, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and the herbs are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Spread about 1/4 of the ricotta mixture over each pounded chicken breast, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This border prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Step 5: Starting from the short end, roll each chicken breast tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed, though a tight roll often stays closed on its own. Pro tip: rolling seam-side down helps keep everything in place.

Step 6: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken rolls seam-side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t move them too early or the crust won’t form properly.

Step 7: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should feel firm to the touch.

Step 8: Remove the chicken rolls from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat.

Step 9: Add the chicken broth to the hot skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.

Step 10: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. The sauce should be silky and pourable.

Step 11: Slice the herbed ricotta stuffed chicken into rounds, revealing the beautiful spiral of filling inside. Arrange on plates and drizzle generously with the pan sauce.

Best Sides for Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

This elegant dish pairs beautifully with sides that complement its creamy, herb-forward flavors.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and buttery flavor make them perfect best sides for stuffed chicken breast, soaking up that delicious pan sauce.

Roasted Asparagus: The slight char and vegetal notes provide a fresh contrast to the rich ricotta filling.

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with tangy dressing balances the richness of this ricotta chicken roll beautifully.

Lemon Herb Rice: Light and fluffy rice with fresh herbs echoes the flavors in the chicken while adding substance to the plate.

Sautéed Spinach: Quick, garlicky greens add color and nutrition without overwhelming the star of the show.

More Impressive Chicken Dinners to Try

This herbed ricotta stuffed chicken belongs to a collection of elegant chicken dishes that make weeknight dinners feel special. For another show-stopping presentation, the Hot Honey Feta Chicken delivers bold flavors with a similar level of sophistication. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce offers another restaurant-quality option with a crispy coating and luxurious sauce.

When planning a complete dinner menu, serve this stuffed chicken alongside comforting sides like the Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo which adds protein-packed creaminess to the plate. The Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Sage Pasta provides a flavorful base that complements the herb-forward chicken beautifully. For lighter accompaniments, pair with the Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta to add color and balanced sweetness to the meal.

How to Store Stuffed Chicken

Store leftover herbed ricotta stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making leftovers especially tasty.

To reheat, I recommend placing sliced chicken in a covered dish with a splash of chicken broth. Warm in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. The microwave works too, but use 50% power in 1-minute intervals to prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery.

Pro tip: you can prepare the chicken rolls completely, sear them, and refrigerate before baking. This makes entertaining much easier since you can pop them in the oven when guests arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Print