Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken thigh and revealing a luscious, creamy filling of vibrant chard and rich cheeses that oozes with flavor. This isn't just another chicken recipe – this is a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this mouth-watering, restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to make at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups chard, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Wash the chard thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the chard leaves into fine pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped chard, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully create a pocket in each chicken thigh by using a sharp knife to cut a horizontal slit, being careful not to cut through completely.
- Generously stuff each chicken thigh with the chard and cheese mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
- Season the outside of the chicken thighs with additional salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the prepared baking dish and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality chard for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- When creating the pocket in the chicken thigh, use a sharp knife and keep the opening small to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F for food safety and juicy meat.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier top, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
