by Nealey Dozier

Baked Chicken with Zucchini and Ricotta Stuffing Recipe

Juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts stuffed with creamy ricotta, fresh zucchini, and aromatic herbs—a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. This Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Ricotta Stuffing is a healthy, high-protein dinner that's easy to make and absolutely delicious!

I was planning an impromptu dinner party recently and trying to come up with a savory dish that captured a bit of our Southern climate. I remembered an incredible roast chicken dish that I made in culinary school but hadn't made in many, many years. I dusted off my old textbook and drafted my ideal fall menu.

Moist, bone-in roast chicken breasts are the perfect vehicle for the positively mouthwatering filling. Zucchini, bread crumbs, ricotta, butter and Parmesan create a juicy layer that makes you wish chicken always tasted this good. I nestled red potatoes under the chicken so they cooked in all of the delicious drippings. Decadent, perhaps. Devoured? Absolutely.

While fancy enough to serve friends, this dish is definitely a worthy addition to your weekly rotation any time of year.

Baked Chicken with Zucchini and Ricotta Stuffing

    Prep Time: 30 minutes

    Cook time: 60 minutes

    Yield: Serves 4 to 6

Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Ricotta Stuffing Recipe Ingredients

    1 pound (about 2 to 3 medium) zucchini, grated

    Kosher salt and black pepper

    4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided

    1 medium onion, finely chopped

    1 large egg

    1 cup sourdough breadcrumbs (or panko)

    1/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

    1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, legs, or mix of both

Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Ricotta Stuffing Recipe Directions

    Preheat the oven to 425 F.

    Toss the grated zucchini with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and set in a strainer to drain for 15 to 30 minutes. Squeeze out any remaining water with a dish cloth or paper towels.

    Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the drained zucchini and sauté until tender, another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

    Add the egg, breadcrumbs, ricotta, Parmesan and remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until completely combined.

    Gently loosen the skin from the chicken breasts, being careful not to tear. Stuff a few heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture (the more the better) under the skin of each breast.

    Place the stuffed chicken in a large roasting pan and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 F in the thickest part of the meat, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for 10 minutes (chicken will continue cooking with residual heat).

Why You'll Love This Baked Chicken Recipe

    Juicy, tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling

    A healthy, high-protein, and low-carb meal

    Oven-baked for an easy & mess-free dinner

    Perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners

Pro Tips

    Extra flavor – Add sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing.

    Make it extra cheesy – Add mozzarella on top before baking.

    Pair it with – Serve with roasted veggies, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Looking for delicious, oven-baked chicken recipes? Whether you want crispy, juicy, or stuffed chicken, these top-rated recipes will satisfy your craving!

    Baked Citrus Chicken

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    Chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and baked with potatoes in a creamy tomato sauce. A rich, smoky, and comforting meal!

    Crispy Roast Chicken

    Roasted to perfection with Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, served with onions and carrots for a complete meal.

    Lemon Chicken Breasts

    Boneless chicken breasts baked in a zesty lemon, white wine, and garlic sauce, creating a light and flavorful dish.

For more healthy and easy chicken dinner recipes, visit iHaveNet Chicken Recipes.

Main Course, Dinner, Mediterranean, Healthy

 

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Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Ricotta Stuffing | Healthy & Flavorful

This Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Ricotta Stuffing is a flavorful, high-protein meal. Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy ricotta, fresh zucchini, and herbs. Perfect for a healthy dinner!

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