Oven Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Oven Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • cup finely chopped walnuts
  • cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 boneless chicken breast halves, with skin
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped walnuts, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and oregano. Stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Loosen the skin of the chicken breasts, creating a pocket between the flesh and skin. Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the ricotta mixture.
  5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  6. Brush the chicken with vegetable oil to help it brown while baking.
  7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, no longer pink, and the juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 349
  • Total Fat: 23g (29% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 5g (23% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 65mg (22% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 217mg (9% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (5% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 28g (55% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 119mg (9% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 237mg (5% Daily Value)

Oven Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

History and Origin

The origins of stuffed chicken breasts can be traced back to European culinary traditions, where stuffing meats was a common method to enhance flavor and texture. The use of chicken as a stuffing vehicle became popular due to its mild flavor and versatility. While variations of stuffed chicken appear in many cultures, the combination of cheese, nuts, and herbs, as found in the "Oven Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breasts" recipe, is largely influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Italy. The use of ricotta cheese, walnuts, and oregano is typical of Italian cooking, where fresh cheeses and herbs are commonly used to create rich, flavorful fillings for meat dishes.

Regional Variations

Across different regions, stuffed chicken breasts may be prepared with variations in the filling. In southern Italy, the stuffing might include ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives, while in northern Italy, the use of richer cheeses like fontina and Parmesan could be more common. In the United States, stuffed chicken breasts have become a beloved comfort food, often incorporating bread crumbs, cheese, and various herbs. In other parts of the world, like Greece or Turkey, you might find similar preparations, but with the addition of ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, or pine nuts, reflecting regional preferences for both the stuffing and the chicken's seasoning.

What Sets This Dish Apart

What distinguishes this particular recipe for oven roasted stuffed chicken breasts from others is the use of ricotta cheese and walnuts as the primary stuffing ingredients. Ricotta provides a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of walnuts, creating a delightful combination of textures. The addition of Parmesan cheese enhances the overall flavor, making each bite rich and savory. Moreover, the recipe calls for boneless, skin-on chicken breasts, which ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful during roasting. Many other stuffed chicken recipes use boneless, skinless breasts, but this recipe uses the skin to help lock in moisture, creating a more tender and succulent final dish.

Where Its Commonly Served

This dish is versatile and can be served on various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings. It is a popular choice for family meals, as the ingredients are accessible and affordable, yet the result is elegant enough to impress guests. The richness of the stuffed chicken makes it an ideal pairing with lighter side dishes, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf. In fine dining establishments, stuffed chicken breasts may be served as a main course, accompanied by a flavorful sauce or a drizzle of balsamic reduction to elevate the dish even further. Additionally, this dish can be served at holiday gatherings or as part of a Mediterranean-themed dinner party, where it can take center stage alongside other hearty, flavorful dishes.

Interesting Facts

  • The combination of ricotta cheese and walnuts in this recipe is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats.
  • The use of stuffed meats dates back to ancient civilizations. Romans were known to stuff poultry and other meats with a variety of fillings to enhance flavor and make the meat go further.
  • The skin-on chicken breasts in this recipe help retain moisture during cooking, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful dish compared to skinless chicken breasts.
  • This dish can be easily adapted for those with dietary preferences. For example, gluten-free breadcrumbs or dairy-free cheese can be used to accommodate various dietary restrictions while still maintaining the rich flavors of the original recipe.

Conclusion

The "Oven Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breasts" recipe is an exemplary dish that combines simple ingredients with exquisite results. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to serve your family or an elegant dish for a special occasion, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Its history rooted in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, along with its adaptability, makes it a timeless choice that can easily become a staple in any home cook's repertoire.

FAQ about Oven Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Leftover stuffed chicken breasts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, you can substitute the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses with other varieties like mozzarella, goat cheese, or cream cheese. Each will alter the flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

If you prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or cashews. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts for a smoother texture in the filling.

To prevent the chicken from drying out, ensure it is well-coated with oil before baking, and cover it with foil for the first part of the cooking process. You can also brush the chicken with more oil halfway through the baking time to keep it moist.

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the chicken, stuff it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. If you refrigerate overnight, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

This recipe can be scaled up or down by adjusting the ingredients proportionally. For example, if you need 12 servings, double the ingredients. Be mindful that cooking times may need slight adjustments based on the size of the chicken breasts and the number of servings.

Yes, you can use skinless chicken breasts. If you do so, consider either butterflying them to create a pocket for the filling or rolling them up and securing with toothpicks. Adjust the baking time, as skinless breasts may cook a bit faster.

Stuffed chicken breasts pair well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a creamy sauce or a light vinaigrette for added flavor.

While you can bake the chicken at a higher temperature, it's best to stick with the recommended 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out. If you increase the temperature, reduce the cooking time and monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

If the stuffing mixture seems too dry, you can add a bit more ricotta cheese, a splash of milk, or a little olive oil to achieve the right consistency. Adding a small amount of liquid will help bind the ingredients together without making the filling soggy.

Comments

Allrecipes Member

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I voe this recipie! I change it a bit by doign the following: I add garlic that I chop and fry in olive oil..and put it in the mixture instead of just putting the oil they call for straight in. I use skinless boneless breasts and butterfly them instead the ones with skin. Then I will just roll them and use a toothpick or two to keep them shut! I serve it with risotto and salad..it's a great meal!

Erin

06/17/2009 12:02:12 PM

OK...I changed this up a lot so I'm not sure if my rating should count! I had some bone-in, skin on chicken breasts that I didn't know what to do with and came across this receipe. Instead of using the stuffing mixture listed, I opted for traditonal stuffing mix made of 6 slices of bread shredded, 1 stalk of celery finely chopped, 1/4 of a small onion onions finely chopped, 1/2 a granny smith apple finely chopped, 1 tsp sage, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, 1 egg, splash of milk, salt and pepper to taste. This was more than enough to fill 2 very large (1 lb) chicken breasts. I seasoned the skin with salt, pepper, paprika and some oil (butter is prefered though). I followed the cooking directions and baked at 350 for 1 hour (because they were so huge!). They were fabulous!! Thanks for the idea!

Jamie C.

04/26/2013 08:11:23 PM

I made this twice and the first time it was too dry. The second time I added bread crumbs only to taste, and stopped when it was a good consistency (at least 1/4C though). I also threw in some freshly cooked spinach, but overall I don't feel the spinach added *too* much, it was still nice. Be careful not to over chop the walnuts because if you ask me it overwhelms the other textures too much when you have as much finely chopped as the recipe calls for. It's also good to spread any extra ricotta/etc filling on top of the chicken before baking.

ZELDA3333

03/10/2007 09:07:07 AM

I liked the idea of this but didn't have the correct ingredients so I substituted the same amts of: feta instead of ricotta, pine nuts instead of walnuts and basil instead of oregano. Used seasoned bread crumbs – everything in the recipe measurements. Ohhh my gosh, best stuffed chicken EVER! Pounded the chicken very thin so baked at 375 for only 25min before topping each breast with a tbs of reserved stuffing and then broiled another 10 min until it had melted and browned…looked perfect! Next time I may cut the pine nuts back a bit, I love them but it may be too much for some. Thanks for an easy great recipe!!!

Alan Hollister

12/11/2009 03:28:48 PM

this dish tasted as good as it looked. I deboned the skin-on breasts myself. Mixing the stuffing I found it a little dry so added just a bit of milk to help. Was easy to stuff under the skin and it browned and crisped up nicely. I didn't think I would like the walnuts but they were perfect for crunch and not strong as walnuts can be. I might sub pecans sometime. From some of the reviews I was afraid it might be a little bland so I sprinkled the underside with a light dusting of poultry seasoning and rosemary. This is great as written but I feel that seasoning the underside really makes it outstanding Thanks for the recipe!

Heather

12/09/2009 05:47:25 PM

This was amazing!! I dont care too much for ricotta so I subed cream cheese, added the panko to that and a little salt and pepper. Butterflyed the chix, Stuffed, Rolled and secured. I seasoned with salt and pepper, and dusted with a little panko, and then used turkey bacon to wrap around. about 2 per piece. Cooked 425 for 20 min, came out perfect!! Dont forget to add some olive oil to your chicken and cover or itll dry out. Took off the lid and broiled it for another 5 to get it crispy.

BIANKAT

01/04/2010 08:20:09 PM

I thought this was fine for a clean-the-fridge type meal. It smelled great and my chicken was plenty moist. I just felt it needed some sort of sauce, like a light bechamel. I used 2 chicken breasts cut horizontally into 4 cutlets. My filling was 1/2 C ricotta, 1/2 C parmesan, 1/4 C panko, 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1 tsp lemon zest, a couple tbsp toasted pine nuts, a couple chopped olives, and one pressed garic clove. I filled the cutlets with half the filling - reserving the rest for later - and secured the rolls with a toothpick. I put about a tbsp of olive oil in the bottom of my baking pan, using a brush to spread it around. I placed the rolls in the pan and further brushed the oil onto them. Salt and pepper over the rolls, then pressed more panko on top. Baked uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes, then topped with the reserved filling and broiled for 5-10 minutes until nice and toasty. Served with quinoa made with chicken broth and a touch of lemon juice, and tossed with lemon zest, parsley, and toasted pine nuts.

Jen

12/20/2007 03:03:51 PM

This recipe was a hit with my entire family--even my 5 yr. old picky eater. I would definately make it again. It's good enough for company for sure! I made some changes based on other reviews and using what I had on hand. Instead of boneless chicken, I used bone-in chicken (which I recommend trying), replaced ricotta for cottage cheese, and used pecans instead of walnuts (chopped fine). Based on other reviews, I sauted 2 garlic cloves in olive oil, added about half to cheese mixture and used the rest to brush the chicken. After I brushed the chicken with oil, I added salt, pepper, plain bread crumbs, basil, and oregano on top of the chicken. It came out moist and delicious!

Meagan

11/08/2006 06:24:18 PM

This was hit with my family. What a great way to liven up chicken, which can be so boring! I used skinless breasts, flattened them and secured the stuffing with toothpicks. Everyone agreed that it could have used less oregano and more bake time. But overall, the chicken was moist and tender. The stuffing turned out wonderful. I had a lot left over, so I just sprinkled the rest on top of the breasts and it came out nice and golden brown. Perhaps sun dried tomatoes? Different cheeses? There's so much you could add on to this recipe. I paired tender baby carrots, warm apples, and big crescent rolls with this to make it a meal.

Allrecipes Community

12/08/2009 07:36:59 AM

very good have made this recpie before will make it again, Only I dont measure anything I put it on trill it looks good to me. Rub chicken with butter add salt & pepper to taste and Garlic. stiffung is prepared to the recpie. bakes uncovered 45 min at 350 covers and bakes another 20 min . turns out moist. & tender my family loves it.

Allrecipes Member

12/08/2009 07:36:59 AM

very good have made this recpie before will make it again, Only I dont measure anything I put it on trill it looks good to me. Rub chicken with butter add salt & pepper to taste and Garlic. stiffung is prepared to the recpie. bakes uncovered 45 min at 350 covers and bakes another 20 min . turns out moist. & tender my family loves it.

Ashley Williams

05/02/2025 01:57:57 PM

Such a WIN! 🙌

Brandon Davis

08/06/2024 01:51:03 PM

Bro, I feel unstoppable after eating this.

Petro

03/24/2020 01:37:15 AM

I’m finding it hard to even give it a 2 star. Very bland, please only serve this to people you don’t want coming for dinner

angela

08/09/2018 08:13:34 PM

My husband loves this dish!, and it's so easy!

Emmy Cook

09/11/2016 04:54:36 AM

I had skinless breasts so pounded them thin then rolled around the filling. It as nice, but I found the filling a tad dry and felt it was missing something. It did go down well with rice and a plum sauce. Might tinker with this one to see if I can improve it.

Patricia Milheron-Graham

06/06/2016 06:08:54 PM

I make these at least twice a month---This is soooo delicious--!!I purchase large breasts with ribs, so I get at least 3 meals out of them--First(yum!!) from the oven, 2nd--a chicken sandwich, 3rd--left out to left-over,---- chicken salad---!!--I use cottage, a bit of onion, olive garden chopped , sweet pepper, diced and a bit of chopped jalapeno--

kidmoneyoc

04/04/2016 03:10:08 PM

Really good! Will make again & add use maybe seasoned bread crumbs though.

Hezzy_tant_Cook

12/21/2012 07:10:36 PM

Tweaked to remove skin... also did not use nuts, but the end result was very tasty, and with a simple spritzing of olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture before baking, we ended up with a very tasty and appetizing main.

Piques

01/26/2012 05:17:20 PM

These came out very well. I used skinless breasts that I then cut open and made a pocket inside. Very easy to make and good to eat.