Hasselback Chicken With Spinach And Ricotta

This Hasselback Chicken recipe is an elegant and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Chicken breasts are sliced and stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, then topped with melted cheddar and a dash of paprika for added color and flavor. The result is a visually stunning and delicious meal that will impress your family and guests. Cook the spinach in a splash of oil until slightly wilted, then stir in ricotta cheese and allow to cool. Cut slits into the chicken breasts and stuff with the spinach mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then top with grated cheddar. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.

Hasselback Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering. This recipe features tender chicken breasts sliced and stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, then topped with melted cheddar and a dash of paprika for added color and flavor. The result is a visually stunning and delicious meal that will impress your family and guests. Let’s dive into the detailed ingredients you'll need to create this wonderful dish.

Ingredients

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients required for Hasselback Chicken:

• ¼ cup fresh spinach (50 g): Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a slight earthiness to the dish.
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese (50 g): Ricotta cheese provides a creamy and mild filling that pairs beautifully with the spinach.
• 2 chicken breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are sliced and stuffed for a tender and flavorful experience.
• ¼ cup cheddar cheese (20 g): Grated cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a rich and savory finish.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika not only adds a touch of heat but also gives the dish a lovely red hue.
• Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors.
• Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle spice to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a delightful and impressive Hasselback Chicken that’s sure to become a favorite. In the next section, we’ll go through the detailed steps to prepare and cook this dish to perfection.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and visually stunning Hasselback Chicken. With a few simple preparations and careful cooking, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare Spinach Mixture

• **Cook the Spinach:** Heat a splash of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup fresh spinach and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly wilted.
• **Add Ricotta:** Stir in ¼ cup ricotta cheese and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• **Slice the Chicken:** Take 2 chicken breasts and cut slits into them about 1cm (½ inch) apart, making sure not to cut all the way through. Aim for about 75% depth.
• **Stuff the Chicken:** Fill the slits with the cooled spinach and ricotta mixture.

Step 3: Season and Add Cheese

• **Season the Chicken:** Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the stuffed chicken breasts.
• **Add Cheddar:** Grate ¼ cup cheddar cheese and generously sprinkle it on top of the chicken breasts.
• **Sprinkle Paprika:** Shake 1 teaspoon paprika over the chicken for added color and flavor.

Step 4: Bake

• **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• **Bake the Chicken:** Place the prepared chicken breasts in the center of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken juices run clear.

Step 5: Serve

• **Plate and Serve:** Carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

With these instructions, you’ll have perfectly cooked Hasselback Chicken ready to delight your family and friends. In the next section, we’ll cover some serving and storage tips, as well as helpful notes and variations to enhance your cooking experience.

Serving and Storage Tips

Hasselback Chicken is not only delicious when freshly baked, but it also stores well for future meals. Here are some tips on how to serve and store your Hasselback Chicken to ensure it remains flavorful and fresh.

• Serving: Serve Hasselback Chicken hot, straight from the oven. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic mashed potatoes. The melted cheddar and creamy spinach ricotta filling make it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. Warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, though this may result in a slightly softer texture.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Hasselback Chicken and make it your own:

• Alternative Fillings: Experiment with different fillings such as sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and cream cheese. These variations add unique flavors and textures to the dish.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try using mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Additions: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the spinach and ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce over the chicken before baking.

As Ina Garten would say, "How easy is that?" Enjoy making and sharing this Hasselback Chicken recipe with your family and friends. It’s sure to become a favorite with its delightful combination of flavors and elegant presentation.

Summary

Hasselback Chicken features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a delicious mixture of spinach and ricotta, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of paprika. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion, taking just 35 minutes to prepare and cook.