Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls! These beauties are not just any chicken dish; they’re bursting with creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic that makes every bite a flavor explosion. I remember the first time I made these for a few friends—it was a cozy gathering, and I was a bit nervous. But the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! They were a hit, and I knew I’d found a go-to recipe for impressing guests or just treating myself. Trust me, once you try these rolls, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a truly delightful dish, with the creamy ricotta and fresh herbs complementing the tender chicken perfectly. Make sure to have everything ready before you start, so you can enjoy the cooking process without any last-minute scrambles!
How to Prepare Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want our chicken rolls to bake evenly and get that golden touch! While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I love how the herbs add such a fresh aroma to the filling! Stir everything together until it’s nice and creamy—this will be the delicious center of your rolls.
Chicken Preparation
Now, onto the chicken! Take each chicken breast and place it between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This helps it cook evenly and makes rolling a breeze. Once flattened, spread a generous layer of that herbed ricotta mixture over each chicken breast, leaving a little space around the edges. Then comes the fun part—roll each breast up tightly from one end to the other and secure it with toothpicks. This helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside while cooking!
Cooking the Chicken Rolls
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the chicken rolls, browning them on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per side should do the trick. You want them to have a beautiful, golden crust! Once browned, transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Make sure they’re cooked through and the juices run clear. After baking, let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the flavors settle and makes for a juicier bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs—every bite is a delight.
- Healthy and low-fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a cozy family dinner.
- Versatile—serve it with various sides to keep meals interesting!
Honestly, once you taste these herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls, you’ll be wondering why you ever made plain chicken again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, ensure you pound the chicken evenly; this helps it cook uniformly and makes rolling much easier. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—add enough salt and pepper to really bring out the flavors of the filling. Also, make sure to let the chicken rest after baking; this little step makes a huge difference in juiciness! And if you want an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture—it’s a game changer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and even bake them a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes it so convenient for entertaining or busy weeknights!
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even a cream cheese mixture with a bit of milk to achieve a similar creamy texture. Just be sure to season it well to maintain that delicious flavor!
Can I use different herbs in the filling?
Of course! While I love the fresh parsley and basil combo, feel free to get creative. Thyme, oregano, or even a bit of dill would add a lovely twist. Just adjust based on your personal taste and what you have on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing! To enjoy them later, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze these chicken rolls?
Yes, you can! Freeze them before baking by wrapping each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional values for these herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. As an estimate, each roll contains approximately 320 calories, 15g of fat, 40g of protein, and 4g of carbohydrates. Always check your ingredients for the most accurate information!
Serving Suggestions
These herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls are delicious on their own, but they really shine when paired with the right sides! I love serving them alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make a perfect addition, adding a vibrant touch and a bit of crunch. You could even whip up some garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting twist! Enjoy the delicious combinations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that delicious texture—just preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the rolls for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
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Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls: 5 Flavorful Secrets
Herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls are flavorful, tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy herbed ricotta mixture.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Flatten each chicken breast using a meat mallet.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over each chicken breast.
- Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken rolls on all sides in the skillet.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove toothpicks and serve.
Notes
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls