Name: Ricotta & Pomegranate Stuffed Chicken Recipe for Fall Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that sings with vibrant flavors and looks as stunning as it tastes, this Ricotta Pomegranate Stuffed Chicken Recipe is truly a 5 Star Delight. Combining creamy ricotta, the jewel-like pop of pomegranate seeds, and tender, juicy chicken breasts, every bite brings a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This dish feels special yet surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a go-to for impressing friends or treating yourself to an elegant dinner at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the layers of texture and flavor that make 5 Star Delight so unforgettable. From the richness of ricotta to the freshness of parsley, every component is essential yet easy to find.

4 chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and easier stuffing.
1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy base adds a luscious, mild flavor that balances the tart pomegranate.
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: Think of these as little bursts of freshness and brightness.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds an herbaceous note that lifts the dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic introduces a savory depth that enhances the overall taste.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: A gentle kick that keeps things interesting without overwhelming.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crisp before baking.

How to Make Ricotta & Pomegranate Stuffed Chicken Recipe for Fall Dinner

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for perfectly cooked chicken. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir these together gently but thoroughly, creating a vibrant filling bursting with flavor and texture that is the soul of this 5 Star Delight.

Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets

Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it horizontally to form a pocket, taking care not to slice all the way through. Creating these pockets is a small step that makes a big difference, allowing you to stuff the flavorful filling inside where it cooks perfectly locked in, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Fill each pocket generously with the ricotta and pomegranate mixture. Ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed for a delicious taste in every bite. This step transforms simple chicken breasts into a dish worthy of the name 5 Star Delight.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until you achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. This caramelized exterior adds irresistible flavor and texture before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the seared breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow, even heat ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out, while the ricotta filling melds with the juicy chicken to create that signature 5 Star Delight experience.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. Now your 5 Star Delight is ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Ricotta & Pomegranate Stuffed Chicken Recipe for Fall Dinner

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional pomegranate seeds on top not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also enhances the fresh, vibrant flavors. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a glossy finish and richness to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overpowering. Think fluffy couscous, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. These sides keep the focus on the star of the show, your 5 Star Delight chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant touch, serve the stuffed chicken on a bed of herb-infused quinoa or wild rice. Try arranging the slices fan-style on a platter with scattered pomegranate seeds around the plate to echo the dish’s vibrant colors and make your table inviting and sophisticated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your 5 Star Delight, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed chicken will keep its quality for up to 2 months, making it a great option for quick, delicious meals later on.

Reheating

Reheat leftover 5 Star Delight gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, to keep the chicken moist and the ricotta filling creamy. Microwaving is possible but may result in uneven heating and a less appealing texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! While ricotta’s creamy texture is ideal, you can substitute with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile, though the overall texture might be slightly richer or tangier.

Are pomegranate seeds necessary in the recipe?

The pomegranate seeds add a delightful burst of tartness and crunch that balances the creamy ricotta. If fresh seeds are unavailable, you can try dried cranberries, but fresh is best to achieve the authentic 5 Star Delight taste and texture.

How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?

Try to buy chicken breasts of similar size and thickness. If some breasts are thicker, you can pound them gently to even them out, which helps cook the chicken uniformly and prevents dryness.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on whole ingredients without breading or sauces containing gluten. Just be sure any sides or garnishes you choose are also gluten-free.

Is it possible to cook this recipe on a grill instead of an oven?

Grilling may be tricky because of the stuffed pockets, but if you have a grill-safe pan or plan to use foil packets, you can try searing first on the grill and then finishing with indirect heat. Just watch carefully to avoid flare-ups and drying out.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish that combines simple ingredients into a harmonious, unforgettable meal, and this 5 Star Delight ricotta pomegranate stuffed chicken does exactly that. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy dinner, this recipe promises bold flavors and elegant flair. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this unique twist to your dinner table!

Ricotta & Pomegranate Stuffed Chicken Recipe for Fall Dinner

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Ricotta Pomegranate Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a deliciously unique twist on classic stuffed chicken breasts by combining creamy ricotta cheese with the sweet burst of pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs. Perfectly seared and baked to juicy perfection, it’s a 5-star delight that’s both elegant and easy to make for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken breasts

Stuffing

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cooking

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts evenly.
Prepare stuffing mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, pomegranate seeds, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Create pockets in chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through to hold the stuffing.
Stuff chicken breasts: Spoon the ricotta and pomegranate mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring they are well filled.
Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each stuffed chicken breast in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust.
Bake the chicken: Transfer the seared stuffed chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender results.
Serve: Slice if desired and serve warm, pairing well with your favorite side dishes such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Be careful when slicing the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through.
Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the best flavor and texture.
This dish pairs well with light sides like mixed greens or quinoa.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
For a dairy-free variation, substitute ricotta with a vegan cheese alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean