Pin Experience a bold and flavorful main dish with this Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are carefully filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, then roasted to perfection and finished with a shimmering, sweet-spicy glaze that will impress any guest.
Pin The secret to this dish lies in the contrast of textures. The soft, herb-infused ricotta filling keeps the chicken exceptionally moist while the hot honey glaze caramelizes under the broiler to create a sticky, golden crust that is truly crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Filling:
- 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
- Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or Franks Red Hot, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For Assembly:
- 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
To ensure the best results, always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. Using toothpicks to secure the pockets is a great way to keep the creamy herb-ricotta filling from escaping during the roasting process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce in the glaze. For those who prefer a tangier flavor profile, try substituting goat cheese for the ricotta in the filling mixture.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken is delicious when served alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. For a perfect beverage match, pair the dish with a chilled glass of Riesling or a light-bodied red wine to complement the honey glaze.
Pin With its vibrant red glaze and creamy herb center, this Hot Honey Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a sophisticated meal that brings together the best of American cuisine in one pan. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and heat!
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It's done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when cut.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking cold from the fridge.
- → What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Goat cheese, cream cheese, or cottage cheese (blended smooth) all work well. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture.
- → How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The spice level is adjustable. Start with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce for mild heat, or increase to 2 tablespoons for a spicier kick. Sriracha offers medium heat while Frank's Red Hot provides a milder, vinegar-forward warmth.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad balance the richness. For wine pairing, try chilled Riesling or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
- → Can I cook this on the grill instead?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, then brush with glaze during the last 2 minutes. The honey may caramelize faster on the grill, so watch closely.