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Stuffed Chicken Breast with California Dates, Spinach, & Herbed Ricotta
20 min prep time
25 min cook time
4servings
Recipe by
California Dates
Photo by
California Dates
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast with California Dates, Spinach, & Herbed Ricotta
Stuffed chicken is a delicious way to add a special touch to weeknight dinners or impress guests when entertaining. This elegant yet simple recipe features lean chicken breasts filled with creamy herbed ricotta, baby spinach, and naturally sweet California dates.
This is a low-fat, low-carb main dish that’s full of flavor and balanced with protein and healthy fats. The recipe is written for 4 small chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each), but if you're using larger ones, simply slice them in half after cooking. Each half makes a perfect portion.
20 min prep time
25 min cook time
4servings
1 (5 ounce) chicken breast
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Step-By-Step Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Defrost the spinach and squeeze out all the water.
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In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir in the chopped dates.
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Cut a horizontal slit along the side of each chicken breast at the thickest part of the breast to form a pocket (don’t cut all the way through). Spoon the filling evenly into each pocket. Secure with toothpicks, if needed.
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Season chicken with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and the paprika. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
The California Date Commission is a proud sponsor of the American Diabetes Association® Diabetes Food Hub. Learn more about the California Date Commission.
Nutrition facts
4 Servings
-
Serving Size
1 (5 ounce) chicken breast
- Amount per serving Calories 270
- % Daily value*
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Total Fat
8g
10%
- Saturated Fat 2g 10%
- Trans Fats 0g
- Cholesterol 110mg 37%
- Sodium 210mg 9%
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Total Carbohydrate
13g
5%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Total Sugars 5g
- Added Sugars 2g 4%
- Protein 35g
- Potassium 690mg 15%
Ingredients
frozen spinach (chopped)
1/3 cup
ricotta cheese (light)
1/2 cup
lemon zest
1 tsp
garlic (finely chopped)
1 clove
dried thyme
1/2 tsp
Kosher Salt (divided use)
1/4 tsp
black pepper (divided use)
1/4 tsp
California dates (chopped)
1/4 oz
boneless, skinless chicken breasts (small, 5-oz each)
4 whole
olive oil
1 tbsp
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