Description
These stuffed chicken thighs are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, cream cheese, garlic, and mozzarella.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and ground black pepper. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to avoid a watery filling.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula until well incorporated.
- Place each chicken thigh between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each piece to about ¼ inch thickness for easy rolling.
- Uncover the pounded chicken thighs and evenly spread approximately ¼ to ⅓ cup of the cheese and spinach filling onto each piece.
- Carefully roll up each chicken thigh so the filling is enclosed inside like a cinnamon roll. Secure each roll with toothpicks to hold the shape during cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Sear each side of the rolled chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Transfer the seared chicken rolls to the prepared casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs