Zesty Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

Creamy spinach and ricotta Hasselback chicken brings a gourmet twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Elegant slices cascade down tender chicken breasts, creating a stunning presentation.

Each cut reveals a delightful pocket of rich, herbaceous filling.

The technique looks complicated but comes together with surprising ease.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this beautiful dish for its impressive appearance and incredible flavor.

Layers of melted cheese and vibrant spinach transform an ordinary chicken breast into a restaurant-worthy meal.

You’ll savor every single bite of this delectable culinary creation.

What Goes in Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the base for this delicious Hasselback-style dish.

• Spinach, Ricotta Cheese: A creamy and nutritious combination that adds rich flavor and moisture to the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Cheddar Cheese: A flavorful cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, crispy topping.
• Ground Paprika: A spice that adds a warm color and subtle smoky flavor to the dish.

• Cooking Oil: A small amount used to prevent sticking and help cook the spinach.

Kitchen Tools for Stuffed Hasselback Chicken Success

• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise cutting and creating slits in chicken.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Medium Skillet: Perfect for cooking spinach and ricotta mixture.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir spinach while cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Essential for grating cheddar cheese evenly.
• Baking Dish: Holds chicken during baking process.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate salt and pepper seasoning.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.

Cooking Hasselback Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Whip Up Spinach Filling

Sizzle spinach in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil for 3-5 minutes until it softens and relaxes.

Fold in creamy ricotta, letting the flavors mingle for a quick 30-60 seconds.

Set the mixture aside to cool down and collect its thoughts.

Step 2: Create Chicken Slits

Grab your chicken breasts and transform them with artful cuts.

Slice carefully, creating beautiful fan-like openings about 1/2 inch apart.

Be gentle – don’t cut all the way through!

Think of it like creating delicate chicken accordion pleats.

Generously stuff each slit with the luscious spinach and ricotta mixture.

Step 3: Dress Up Your Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the chicken, giving it a flavor boost.

Shower the top with freshly grated cheddar cheese, creating a golden blanket.

Dust with ground paprika for a pop of color and an extra flavor kick.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Fire up the oven to 400F (200C).

Slide the chicken into the center rack and let it bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese transforms into a bubbling golden crown and the chicken juices run clear as crystal.

The result?

A mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll make taste buds dance!

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Hasselback Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts carefully, stopping just short of slicing through completely to create perfect pockets for stuffing while keeping the breast intact.
• Remove excess moisture from cooked spinach to prevent a watery filling that could make chicken soggy during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.
• Allow cheese to brown slightly during final minutes of baking for a delicious crispy top and enhanced flavor profile.
• Add garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to spinach mixture for extra depth and aromatic enhancement of the dish.

Hasselback Chicken: Inspiring Variations to Try

• Low-Carb Spinach Swap: Replace ricotta with cream cheese and use cauliflower rice instead of spinach for a lower-carb version that maintains creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into the stuffing for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Keto Option: Use goat cheese instead of ricotta, add chopped bacon bits, and increase cheese topping for a high-protein, low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute ricotta with mashed avocado, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and stuff with dairy-free pesto for a plant-based friendly version.

Serving Suggestions for Spinach and Ricotta Hasselback Chicken

• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Top the baked chicken with extra sharp cheddar or crumbled feta for a tangy twist that elevates the dish's richness.
• Mediterranean Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to balance the creamy chicken with fresh, light flavors.
• Carb Perfect Pairing: Complement the chicken with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or herbed quinoa to soak up the delicious cheesy spinach juices.
• Quick Side Crunch: Add a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich chicken.

How to Store Hasselback Chicken for Next-Day Meals

• Store leftover Hasselback Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover chicken with foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 2-3 minutes to crisp cheese topping.

FAQs

• What is the Hasselback technique?

The Hasselback technique involves cutting parallel slits into the food (in this case, chicken) without cutting all the way through, creating a fan-like appearance that allows seasoning and filling to penetrate deeper into the dish.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove excess moisture before mixing with ricotta.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken juices should also run clear when pierced.

Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta: Why It Shines

• Swap ingredients or add personal twists to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for creative home cooks who love experimenting.
• Minimal prep steps and simple ingredients transform this dish into a speedy dinner solution that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
• Packed with protein from chicken, calcium from ricotta, and vitamins from spinach, this recipe delivers a balanced meal in one delightful package.
• Kids and adults will love the cheesy topping and fun Hasselback style, making mealtime exciting and ensuring everyone cleans their plate.

Hasselback Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach and ricotta hasselback chicken blends Italian flavors with elegant presentation. Crisp edges and melted cheese create a simple yet impressive dinner perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup (50 g) fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup (50 g) ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup (20 g) cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté spinach in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil for 3-5 minutes until it softens and releases moisture. Fold in ricotta cheese and cook briefly, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
2. Carefully slice chicken breasts crosswise at regular intervals, cutting approximately three-quarters through the meat to create fan-like sections. Take care not to slice completely through the chicken.
3. Gently separate the chicken slices and generously stuff each cut with the cooled spinach and ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the breast.
4. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the stuffed chicken breasts. Top with freshly grated cheddar cheese, covering the surface completely. Dust with ground paprika for additional color and depth of flavor.
5. Heat oven to 400F (200C). Position chicken breasts in the center of a baking dish, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F with clear juices.

Notes

• Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent watery filling that could make chicken soggy during baking.
• Cut chicken slits carefully and evenly to create beautiful accordion-like presentation and allow even cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• For gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative cheese if needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg