Save This Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate main dish for those who love a balance of creamy, savory, and spicy-sweet flavors. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a rich herb-infused cheese mixture and finished with a glistening hot honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
Save Preparing this dish is simpler than it looks. By creating a small pocket in the chicken, you create a vessel for the garlic-herb ricotta, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor from the inside out.
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
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
Using a sharp knife is essential for creating a clean pocket without cutting through the meat. Be sure to use a pastry brush to apply the hot honey glaze evenly, ensuring every corner of the chicken is coated for maximum caramelization.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the ricotta cheese with goat cheese for a tangier filling. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to achieve your preferred level of heat.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these stuffed chicken breasts alongside a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese. For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Riesling or a light-bodied red wine complements the sweet and spicy notes beautifully.
Save Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a special weeknight meal, this Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is sure to impress with its sophisticated flavors and beautiful presentation.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Cut the pockets carefully without cutting all the way through the chicken. Use toothpicks to secure the opening after stuffing, and place the breasts seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, or add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad complement the rich flavors perfectly. The dish also pairs beautifully with rice pilaf or crusty bread.
- → How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
Adjust the heat by varying the hot sauce amount. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild spice, or increase to 2 tablespoons for a noticeable kick that balances the honey's sweetness.
- → Can I use other cheeses in the filling?
Goat cheese adds tanginess while cream cheese creates extra richness. You can also add mozzarella for stretch, but keep the ricotta base for the best texture.