Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy ricotta and herbs, baked until golden and served with a vibrant pan sauce. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs ricotta cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each breast without cutting through.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 2 tbsp fresh basil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Spoon mixture into chicken pockets and secure with toothpicks.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into the skillet, cover with a lid, and transfer to oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, discard toothpicks, and serve with pan sauce, garnished with 1/4 cup fresh basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ricotta cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Sauce?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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