Juicy, tender rooster thighs are full of creamy spinach, Parmesan, and ricotta filling, then baked to golden perfection with a savory mix of paprika, garlic, and oregano. This dish feels fancy however surprisingly simple to make, combining easy substances right into a satisfying meal.
Stuffed Hen Thighs: massive taste with minimal effort!
I initially made these stuffed rooster thighs to modify up our common rooster dinner and take it up a notch from one thing easier (however nonetheless scrumptious) like pan-seared rooster thighs. I used boneless, skinless thighs, which stayed further tender, whereas the filling added much more moisture and taste. These thighs grew to become an instantaneous hit with my always-hungry husband! And the perfect half? This recipe takes solely 20 minutes of prep + Half-hour of baking (idle time)! There are infinite methods to customise this dish—swap the spinach for kale, add sun-dried tomatoes, or combine in contemporary herbs. I served mine with roasted veggies (like my candy potatoes and broccoli), however they’d be simply as scrumptious over basil pasta or paired with a crisp salad like my orzo spinach salad.
Primary Elements & Substitutions
- Hen Thighs – I used boneless, skinless thighs because the darker rooster meat tends to be further tender and forgiving to prepare dinner with. Use rooster breasts as a substitute of thighs in the event you choose leaner meat, however you’ll want to control cooking time to keep away from dryness.
- Spinach – I used contemporary, wilted spinach for the filling. Swap with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. You may also use frozen spinach – ensure to empty it properly and pat it dry with paper towels to eliminate any further moisture.
- Ricotta Cheese – Provides creaminess. You may also attempt cream cheese for further richness, feta for a tangy kick, or mozzarella for a melty, gooey filling.
- Parmesan Cheese – Provides saltiness and enhances taste. You may also use Asiago, Gruyere, or Pecorino Romano as a substitute.
- Seasoning Mix – I mixed Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, and Black Pepper – be happy to regulate to style.
- Olive Oil – For brushing the rooster earlier than baking.
Optionally available Add-Ins
- Proteins – Combine in crispy bacon, chopped ham, or crumbled sausage.
- Greens – Add diced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for further taste.
Learn how to make Stuffed Hen Thighs (step-by-step images)
Observe: This can be a recipe overview – the entire recipe (with the quantities) is within the recipe card under. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. Wilt spinach in a skillet or microwave, then chop and squeeze out extra moisture.
Combine wilted spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a small bowl, put together the rooster seasoning by mixing the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper. Lay every rooster thigh flat on a clear floor. If mandatory, use a meat mallet to even out their thickness.
Add 2 tablespoons of filling, roll up, and safe with toothpicks.
Brush stuffed rooster thighs with olive oil, and season with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Organize the thighs seam-side down within the ready baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes till the rooster reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storage & Reheating Directions
- Refrigeration: Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Reheat within the oven at 350°F till warmed by to maintain the rooster juicy.
- Freezing: Place the cooked stuffed rooster thighs in a freezer-safe container or in a freezer bag. They’ll preserve for as much as 2 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating within the oven at 350°F for about 20-Half-hour or till sizzling. Keep away from microwaving, as it may well make the filling watery.
Extra Hen Thigh Recipes
- Creamy Hen Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach
- Skillet Hen Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce
- Hen Thighs with Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Sauce
- Greek Hen Orzo
Stuffed Hen Thighs
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Elements
Hen Thighs Elements
- 8 rooster thighs boneless and skinless
- 2 cups contemporary spinach (60 g)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (125 g)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (25 g)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (1.25 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt divided (5 g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided (2.5 g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried (1.25 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Flippantly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
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In a dry skillet over medium warmth, rapidly wilt the spinach. Permit to chill after which chop finely. Alternatively, wilt the spinach within the microwave oven, ensuring to squeeze out any extra moisture.
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In a medium bowl, mix the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt, and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper. Combine properly and put aside.
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Lay every rooster thigh flat on a clear floor. If mandatory, use a meat mallet to even out their thickness.
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Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30 g) of the spinach combination onto the middle of every thigh. Roll the rooster across the filling and safe with toothpicks.
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In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper. Brush the rooster rolls with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning combination evenly over them.
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Organize the stuffed rooster thighs seam-side down within the ready baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or till the rooster reaches an inside temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Let the rooster relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving. Pair with a easy salad, roasted greens, or mashed potatoes for an entire meal. And don’t overlook the crusty bread to mop up all these beautiful tacky, garlicky juices! See extra ideas under.
Notes
Steadily Requested Questions
- Can I exploit rooster breasts as a substitute of thighs? Sure! You should use rooster breasts, however they are usually drier than thighs. Ensure to butterfly them and pound them skinny in order that they’re simpler to stuff and roll.
- Can I exploit frozen spinach as a substitute of contemporary? Sure, you need to use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out extra water earlier than mixing it with the opposite filling substances.
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cream cheese or goat cheese are nice, creamy options!
- What different seasonings work properly for this recipe? I like making stuffed rooster thighs with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for warmth, or Italian seasoning.
- How can I make sure the rooster stays moist? Keep away from overbaking and let the rooster relaxation for a couple of minutes after taking it out of the oven. This enables the juices to redistribute.
- How do I preserve the filling from spilling out? I struggled with this HARD once I first began making stuffed rooster. Safe the stuffed thighs with toothpicks or kitchen twine. You may also sear them first to assist maintain every part collectively earlier than baking.
- How do I do know when the rooster is finished? Use a meat thermometer—rooster is fit for human consumption when the inner temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Can I put together this dish forward of time? Sure! You’ll be able to assemble the stuffed rooster thighs and refrigerate them for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. Merely add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I prepare dinner these in an air fryer? Oh, I’ve finished this! All of us are pressed for time generally. Prepare dinner at 375°F for about 18-22 minutes, flipping midway by, till they attain 165°F internally.
Serving Ideas
Let the rooster relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving. Pair with a easy salad, roasted greens, or mashed potatoes for an entire meal. For decrease carb options, serve stuffed rooster thighs with cauliflower “mashed potatoes,” roasted spaghetti squash, or spiralized zucchini. And don’t overlook the crusty bread to mop up all these beautiful tacky, garlicky juices! Listed below are my private favorites:
Diet
