#12 Panko Crusted Chicken Stuffed with Ricotta, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Basil (Vegetarian Version Included)

{ Chicken Breast Version: I made more than the recipe called for }

{ Vegetarian Chicken Version }

I found this recipe through the, For the Love of Cooking blog. I made two versions of it: real chicken breasts and vegetarian chicken halves. The vegetarian chicken halves can be purchased online, or at the Whole Grains Fresh Market in the International Plaza at Westmont, IL.

I apologize for the horrible pictures. I only had my mobile the day I served it at my parent's house for a supper get together. Nonetheless, it was really good. Many compliments from it. The recipe impressed me.

Panko Crusted Chicken Stuffed with Ricotta, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Basil

• 1 cup of low fat ricotta cheese
• Small handful of baby spinach, chopped
• Small handful of grape tomatoes, diced (remove the seeds if possible)
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• Dash of oregano
• 2 chicken breasts
• Italian seasoned panko crumbs
• 2 tsp olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the ricotta, spinach, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Rinse the chicken breasts then cut a long horizontal slit along the center of the thin long edge of the chicken breast, nearly through to the other side. Fill the cavaty of the chicken breast with the ricotta mixture. Season each side of the chicken with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Carefully dip the chicken breasts in the panko crumbs until both sides are evenly covered. Close the slit together with toothpicks (or if you are like me and realize that you don't have toothpicks, simply break some kebab sticks in half and use them). 

Heat the olive oil in an OVEN PROOF skillet on the stove over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown, flip the chicken over and place the skillet into the oven. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy.