Go Back
Hasselback-style stuffed chicken breast recipe baked with spinach mozzarella garlic and olive oil in a cast iron skillet

Hasselback-Style Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

A succulent, Mediterranean-style stuffed chicken breast sliced Hasselback-style and filled with garlic, sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, roasted in extra virgin olive oil.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • - 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts 7-8 oz each
  • - 2 cups fresh spinach finely chopped
  • - 4 oz fresh mozzarella sliced or shredded
  • - 2 oz whole milk ricotta
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • - 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • - 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • - 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese optional
  • - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt or to taste
  • - 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat an oval baking dish or cast-iron skillet with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
  2. 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.
  3. In a bowl, combine sautéed spinach, garlic, whole milk ricotta, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and optional feta cheese.
  4. 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.
  5. Stuff each Hasselback slit generously with the spinach-ricotta mixture and a small piece of remaining mozzarella.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. 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.