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Juicy, tender hen 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 elements right into a satisfying meal.
 Stuffed Hen Thighs: huge taste with minimal effort!
I initially made these stuffed hen thighs to change up our typical hen dinner and take it up a notch from one thing less complicated (however nonetheless scrumptious) like pan-seared hen thighs. I used boneless, skinless thighs, which stayed further tender, whereas the filling added much more moisture and taste. These thighs turned an instantaneous hit with my always-hungry husband! And the very best half? This recipe takes solely 20 minutes of prep + Half-hour of baking (idle time)! There are countless 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.
Major Components & Substitutions
- Hen Thighs – I used boneless, skinless thighs because the darker hen meat tends to be further tender and forgiving to cook dinner with. Use hen breasts as an alternative of thighs in case you want leaner meat, however make sure you 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 – be sure to empty it effectively and pat it dry with paper towels to do away with any further moisture.
- Ricotta Cheese – Provides creaminess. You may also strive 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 an alternative.
- Seasoning Mix – I mixed Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, and Black Pepper – be at liberty to regulate to style.
- Olive Oil – For brushing the hen earlier than baking.
Elective 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.
Methods to make Stuffed Hen Thighs (step-by-step pictures)Â
Be aware: 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 hen seasoning by mixing the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper. Lay every hen thigh flat on a clear floor. If needed, use a meat mallet to even out their thickness.
Add 2 tablespoons of filling, roll up, and safe with toothpicks.
Brush stuffed hen thighs with olive oil, and season with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the thighs seam-side down within the ready baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes till the hen 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 via to maintain the hen juicy.
- Freezing: Place the cooked stuffed hen thighs in a freezer-safe container or in a freezer bag. They’ll maintain 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 scorching. Keep away from microwaving, as it could actually make the filling watery.
Extra Hen Thigh Recipes
Stuffed Hen Thighs
In search of a hearty but wholesome dinner thought that can impress your loved ones or visitors? These baked stuffed hen thighs, full of a savory spinach and cheese combination, are the proper alternative. Juicy, flavorful, and straightforward to make, this dish combines easy elements right into a connoisseur meal.
Components
Hen Thighs Components
DirectionsÂ
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Evenly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
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In a dry skillet over medium warmth, shortly 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 effectively and put aside.
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Lay every hen thigh flat on a clear floor. If needed, 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 hen 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 hen rolls with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning combination evenly over them.
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Prepare the stuffed hen thighs seam-side down within the ready baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or till the hen reaches an inner temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Let the hen relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving. Pair with a easy salad, roasted greens, or mashed potatoes for a whole meal. And don’t overlook the crusty bread to mop up all these beautiful tacky, garlicky juices! See extra options under.
Notes
Continuously Requested Questions
- Can I take advantage of hen breasts as an alternative of thighs? Sure! You need to use hen breasts, however they are usually drier than thighs. Make sure that to butterfly them and pound them skinny so that they’re simpler to stuff and roll.
- Can I take advantage of frozen spinach as an alternative of contemporary? Sure, you should utilize frozen spinach. Be sure you thaw and squeeze out extra water earlier than mixing it with the opposite filling elements.
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cream cheese or goat cheese are nice, creamy options!
- What different seasonings work effectively for this recipe? I like making stuffed hen thighs with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for warmth, or Italian seasoning.
- How can I make sure the hen stays moist? Keep away from overbaking and let the hen relaxation for a couple of minutes after taking it out of the oven. This enables the juices to redistribute.
- How do I maintain the filling from spilling out? I struggled with this HARD once I first began making stuffed hen. Safe the stuffed thighs with toothpicks or kitchen twine. You may also sear them first to assist maintain all the things collectively earlier than baking.
- How do I do know when the hen is completed? Use a meat thermometer—hen is suitable for eating when the interior temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Can I put together this dish forward of time? Sure! You’ll be able to assemble the stuffed hen 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 cook dinner these in an air fryer? Oh, I’ve performed this! All of us are pressed for time typically. Cook dinner at 375°F for about 18-22 minutes, flipping midway via, till they attain 165°F internally.
Serving Solutions
Let the hen relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving. Pair with a easy salad, roasted greens, or mashed potatoes for a whole meal. For decrease carb options, serve stuffed hen 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
Diet Data
Stuffed Hen Thighs
Quantity per Serving
% Each day Worth*
* % Each day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie weight loss plan.
Diet Disclaimer:
The dietary info on this web site is just an estimate and is offered for comfort and as a courtesy solely. The accuracy of the dietary info for any recipe on this web site shouldn't be assured. It shouldn't be used as an alternative to an expert nutritionist’s recommendation.
