Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat an oval baking dish or cast-iron skillet with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
- Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine sautéed spinach, garlic, whole milk ricotta, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and optional feta cheese.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut crosswise slits at 1/2-inch intervals into each breast, cutting about 80% through without slicing completely through.
- Stuff each Hasselback slit generously with the spinach-ricotta mixture and a small piece of remaining mozzarella.
- Transfer stuffed chicken breasts to prepared baking dish. Drizzle with remaining extra virgin olive oil and season evenly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
- Use two chopsticks placed alongside the chicken breast while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through the bottom.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all moisture prior to mixing filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all moisture prior to mixing filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
