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Keeping things cozy yet healthy with this oven roasted Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken In White Wine Pan Sauce. All served with the creamiest mashed cauliflower. Herb ricotta cheese stuffed chicken, roasted alongside sweet shallots, garlic, and in-season mushrooms. The chicken is finished in a simple white wine and apple cider pan sauce. It’s simple-ish but still mouthwatering. Especially when served over creamy mashed cauliflower hinted with garlic. It’s the autumn dinner everyone will love!
It’s not even October yet and I’m already breaking out some of the coziest fall recipes. I’d say sorry, but then I feel like we’re all ready for some slow-roasted chicken dinners that scream fall. We are, aren’t we?
At least that’s my hope, because, as I’ve now said, I’m in full-on fall mode. I apologize for talking about my love of fall so much…I’m sure it’s getting old. So I’ll spare you that today and instead jump right into talking about this simple, but oh so delicious chicken dinner, complete with a side of creamy butter mashed cauliflower.
The photos don’t really do this meal justice, but you guys, this chicken is so good.
I’ve wanted to make a ricotta-stuffed chicken for a while now. But for some reason, I could never put my finger on exactly how I wanted to make it. There are obviously many ways you can roast chicken, but I wanted to do something that felt new and special.
I had a lot of ideas, but in the end, I actually kept things a little more classic…but with a twist, of course.
Start with the chicken.
It all starts with an oven-safe skillet or roasting pan. I highly recommend my go-to Staub 12-inch cast-iron skillet. It’s the perfect pan for this recipe…and it’s extra pretty too.
Just be sure to use a pan that can go from the oven to the stove. You’ll roast the chicken in the oven, but then finish the pan sauce on the stove. This is why cast iron is ideal. But again, any roasting pan or stainless steel pan will also work.
For this dish, I used skin-on, boneless chicken breasts. You need skin-on chicken for this recipe, as you will stuff all that ricotta cheese under the chicken skin.
The cheese is mixed with fresh thyme, sage, and a pinch of nutmeg. It too is then stuffed underneath the chicken skin. It’s savory, cheesy, and very herby. As the chicken roasts, the cheese warms and the skin turns golden and crisp. Since ricotta doesn’t melt very much, it stays pretty secured under the chicken’s skin.
I like to roast the chicken alongside shallots, garlic, thyme, and cremini mushrooms.
While the chicken is cooking, make the mashed cauliflower.
This is SO EASY. Simply, boil some cauliflower florets, drain, and mash with a little cream cheese (mostly for extra creaminess), butter, and salt. I know it seems so simple, but don’t knock the mashed cauliflower until you try it. It’s so creamy and really does taste similar to mashed potatoes, just a smidge lighter.
It’s the perfect healthy side dish to serve with this.
Next, that pan sauce…it’s key.
Once the chicken has roasted and is cooked through, remove everything from the oven. Then transfer the chicken and mushrooms to a plate. It’s time to make that pan sauce.
Browned butter. White wine. Fresh apple cider.
I mean, SO GOOD. Dramatic, yes, but you really do need this pan sauce.
The sauce cooks down with the roasted garlic and shallots and turns into a flavorful, butter, herb-infused sauce with hints of wine and sweet autumn cider. It’s perfect when drizzled over the ricotta-stuffed chicken and roasted mushrooms.
Serve the chicken and mushrooms over plates of mashed cauliflower, then spoon the sauce overtop.
Add crusty bread and a simple autumn salad. Best any night of the week dinner that would be just as perfect for a fancy dinner party with friends.
Also, if you’re looking for other sides to serve with this chicken, creamy mashed potatoes would be equally delicious. Especially once things get really cold come November.
Looking for other easy autumn chicken recipes? Here are a few ideas:
One Pot Lemon Rosemary Dijon Chicken and Butter Toasted Rice Pilaf
30 Minute Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs with Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole
Lastly, if you make this, Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken In White Wine Pan Sauce with Mashed Cauliflower be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken In Cider Pan Sauce with Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- kosher salt and pepper
- 4-6 skin-on, chicken breasts , (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 small shallots, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, halved, if large
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3/4 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1/2 cup apple cider
Mashed Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2-3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease an oven-safe skillet with olive oil.2. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, gouda, 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon sage, nutmeg, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. 3. Loosen the skin of the chicken breast with your fingertips. Stuff about 2 tablespoons of ricotta underneath the skin of each breast. Rub the chicken skin with olive oil, season with 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon sage, salt, and pepper. Transfer the chicken to the prepared skillet. Arrange the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms around the chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked.4. Remove from the oven and place the chicken and mushrooms on a plate.5. Place the skillet with the shallots and garlic over medium heat. Add the butter. Cook 1-2 minutes, until the butter is browned. Add the wine and cider. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes, until reduced by half. Slide the chicken and mushrooms back into the skillet, simmer 1 minute. Remove from the heat.6. Meanwhile, make the mashed cauliflower. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until tender, 10 minutes. Drain well.6. In a food processor, combine the cauliflower, garlic, cream cheese, and butter, season to taste with salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.7. To serve, spoon the mashed cauliflower onto plates. Add the chicken and mushrooms. Then spoon over the pan sauce. Top with fresh thyme. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
This was absolutely amazing! Even My teenage son devoured it ❤️
I made this for a dinner party last night and got rave reviews. People asked for the recipe, which I happily shared. My husband said it was among the best chicken I have ever made. Thank you!!
Hi Joy,
Happy Sunday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner. Thanks a lot for giving it a try! xTieghan
One of the best dinners I’ve ever made!! I didn’t do the ricotta filling because I don’t like stuffed chicken breasts and it still had so many amazing flavors and textures. I could not BELIEVE how good the mashed cauliflower was, I almost didn’t make it because I was sure I wouldn’t like it but it really tasted like mashed potatoes. I added rosemary with the sage and thyme. I will be making this recipe again and again!
Hey Maddy,
Happy Sunday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
Delicious, used chicken thighs since it’s what I had in hand and turned out perfect. Can’t wait to make this when the weather gets cooler (still yummy in mid-August though).
Hey Brittany,
Awesome!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thank you so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Would you mind sharing where the white plates pictured are from? I love the lip & have been wanting some similar for awhile!
Hey Amy,
So sorry, I do not have a link for these, but Crate and Barrel has something similar! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Would it be weird to use red wine in this?
Hey Liz,
I would probably stick with white wine or chicken broth for this recipe. I hope you love the dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Wonderful recipes. I used skinless breasts and cut a pocket for the cheese. Also used dry vermouth in place of
White wine. Will double the great sauce next time. A great dish for company. Make in advance and pop in the oven.
My niece told me about your sauce and every recipe I have made has been great. Thank you.
Hey Jane,
Fantastic!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
Wonderful recipes. I could only find skinless breasts so I made a cut in breast and stuffed the ricotta in the pocket. Also a bit healthier. Next time I would increase the amount of sauce.. I substituted dry vermouth in place of the wine.
Will make again.
Hey Jane,
Fantastic!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
I’ve had this pinned for a while now, and finally got around to making it. It is rich and satisfying while still pretty simple and healthy. This is going to be my new “go to” when I have extra ricotta in the fridge.
Hey Natalie,
Thanks for making this recipe! I am so glad it was a hit! xTieghan
Love this recipe soo much! I made mine using chicken thighs but it was amazing! I also loved the cauliflower mash with it.
Hey Samantha,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am delighted it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
Can this be made with chicken breasts?
Hey Stacey,
Yes, this recipe calls for chicken breasts:) I hope you love the dish, let me know how it turns out! xTieghan
This is the BEST chicken I’ve ever made. Even my picky 11 year old daughter begged for more. So good I felt compelled to text the link to all of my close friends and family. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hey Kelley,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Made this. Delicious! I used chicken thighs. It took about 40 minutes to have them brown nicely. I used a hand held mixer to make the mashed cauliflower. My food processor was too small to whip them up. Sauce was so delicious! Love all the recipes on this site! My favorite online chef.
Hey Abby,
Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a go, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Hi!!!! I loved this recipe! But I was wondering what you would suggest to make the sauce a little thicker to help it stick on the chicken…It was so delicious!!! Thanks!!!
Hey Carol,
I am so so glad that you liked the recipe, thanks a lot for making it! Try adding some cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Awesome recipe!! I didn’t have skin on chicken so I butterflied skinless chicken breast and stuffed it with the ricotta mixture .. delicious!!! Also omg the mashed cauliflower!!!!!! To die for . Thank you!!!
Hey Stephanie,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have the best week. xTieghan