Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Elevate your dinner routine with this stunning Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, herb-filled center and a signature sweet-spicy glaze that delivers a perfect balance of bold flavors in every bite.

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This show-stopping main dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special weekend dinners. The luscious, melty center provides a gourmet touch that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

• Chicken
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 180–200 g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Ricotta Filling
  • 200 g (about ¾ cup) ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Hot Honey Glaze
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) honey
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Franks Red Hot), to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 3

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, lemon zest, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Stuff each chicken breast pocket with equal amounts of the ricotta mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.

Step 5

Rub the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Warm gently, stirring, until fully blended (about 2 minutes).

Step 8

Brush half of the hot honey glaze over the tops of the chicken breasts.

Step 9

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C/165°F).

Step 10

Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining hot honey glaze. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks before eating.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is cooked through while remaining juicy. If you prefer a more stable filling, ensure the ricotta is well-drained before mixing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach to the ricotta filling. You can also adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the glaze to suit your preference.

Serviervorschläge

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes to balance the sweetness of the glaze. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and should be reheated gently.

Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

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Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together the best of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. It's a guaranteed hit for any dinner table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I prevent the ricotta filling from leaking out?

Carefully cut the pocket without piercing through to the other side. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed, and avoid overstuffing each breast.

→ Can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the glaze. The smoked paprika adds flavor without much heat, so the dish will still be delicious.

→ What sides pair well with this stuffed chicken?

Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad complement the rich flavors beautifully. The sweetness also pairs nicely with roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). The chicken should feel firm to the touch and the juices run clear.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. Prepare the glaze fresh when ready to cook for the best consistency.