Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Experience the perfect balance of flavors with this Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, herb-infused ricotta mixture, oven-roasted to perfection, and then finished with a bold, sweet-spicy hot honey glaze that makes it a crowd-pleasing main dish for any occasion.

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This recipe takes about 50 minutes total, making it an achievable American-style meal for a medium-difficulty level. With a yield of 4 servings, it's a sophisticated way to serve chicken that feels like a restaurant-quality experience in your own home.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or Franks Red Hot, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, basil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 3

Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit along the side of each breast to form a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 4

Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into each pocket, dividing the filling among the 4 breasts.

Step 5

Secure the opening with toothpicks, if needed. Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Arrange the stuffed breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).

Step 7

Meanwhile, make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Warm over low heat, stirring until melted and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 8

Remove chicken from the oven. Brush generously with the hot honey glaze. Return to oven and broil on high for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.

Step 9

Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and drizzle with extra hot honey glaze if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a sharp knife to create the pockets and pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the oil adhere. Using toothpicks is highly recommended to keep the creamy filling from leaking during the roasting process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the glaze. For those who enjoy a tangier flavor profile, substitute goat cheese for the ricotta in the filling mixture.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a chilled Riesling or a light-bodied red wine to complement the honey-glazed exterior.

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This Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is sure to become a new favorite. With 370 calories per serving and a blend of rich, creamy, and spicy notes, it offers a satisfying and flavorful dining experience for any main course.

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Cut the pocket carefully without slicing through to the other side. Use toothpicks to secure the opening after stuffing, and avoid overfilling each breast. The ricotta mixture thickens during baking, which also helps keep it contained.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate tightly wrapped. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. The glaze can be prepared ahead and gently reheated.

→ What can I use instead of ricotta?

Goat cheese offers a tangier, creamier alternative. Cream cheese works for a milder flavor, or try cottage cheese blended until smooth for similar texture with more protein.

→ How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

Using 1 tablespoon hot sauce delivers gentle warmth—family-friendly with a mild kick. Increase to 2 tablespoons for noticeable heat that balances the honey's sweetness, or adjust based on your preference.

→ What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding the filling. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when the meat is pierced.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots complement the sweetness. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Mashed potatoes or rice soak up the extra glaze beautifully.