If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that fits within your Slimming World plan, this Hasselback Chicken with Spinach, Ricotta & Cheddar is the perfect choice! Not only does it look impressive on the plate, but it’s also packed with flavour, high in protein, and incredibly easy to make.
The hasselback technique—which involves slicing into the chicken breast without cutting all the way through—allows you to stuff it with a delicious, cheesy spinach filling. This method ensures that every bite is infused with the rich creaminess of ricotta, the slight sharpness of reduced-fat cheddar, and the freshness of spinach. It also helps the chicken cook evenly, keeping it juicy and tender.
This recipe is an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet wholesome, as it takes just 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. The combination of ricotta and cheddar not only provides creaminess but also a deliciously golden topping once baked. Plus, the addition of garlic, paprika, and oregano gives this dish a beautifully balanced, savoury taste without the need for excessive oils or sauces. There are two options when cooking your chicken and I have included both oven bake and airfryer instructions.
Pair it with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some homemade Slimming World chips for a truly comforting and filling meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing dinner guests, this dish is bound to be a favourite!
10 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Hasselback Chicken Recipe
- Packed with Flavour – The combination of ricotta, cheddar, and spinach creates a creamy, cheesy filling that melts beautifully into the chicken, making every bite rich and satisfying. A hint of garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika enhances the overall taste without overpowering it.2.
- Slimming World & WW Friendly – With low syns and reasonable WW points, this recipe is perfect for those following a healthy eating plan. You can keep it syn-free if you count the cheddar as your Healthy Extra A, making it a guilt-free treat.
- High in Protein & Nutrients – Chicken breast is a fantastic lean protein source, keeping you fuller for longer. The spinach adds iron and vitamins, while the ricotta and cheddar provide calcium for strong bones.
- Quick & Easy to Make – With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Visually Impressive – The hasselback technique not only allows the delicious filling to infuse the chicken but also gives it a beautifully layered look. It’s a great way to make a simple chicken breast look restaurant-quality!
- Perfectly Juicy & Tender – Cutting slits into the chicken allows the filling to seep inside, keeping the meat moist and preventing it from drying out in the oven. No more boring, dry chicken!
- Great for Meal Prep – This dish stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner the next day. You can also prep the chicken in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Versatile & Customisable – Fancy a little spice? Add some chilli flakes. Want more veggies? Try adding roasted red peppers or mushrooms to the filling. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes!
- Pairs Well with Everything – Whether you serve it with Slimming World chips, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of wholewheat pasta, this chicken dish complements a variety of sides, making it easy to fit into your meal plan.
- A Family-Friendly Favourite – This is a great recipe for the whole family, even for those who aren’t following a slimming plan. The cheesy, creamy filling makes it a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys a nutritious and delicious meal.
Batch Cook – Storage Information
This Hasselback Chicken with Spinach, Ricotta & Cheddar is perfect for batch cooking! Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or saving leftovers, here’s how to store it properly to maintain freshness and flavour.
Refrigerating:
- Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4) for 10-15 minutes or until piping hot. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but this may affect texture.
Freezing:
- Uncooked: You can prep the chicken with the filling, wrap each portion tightly in cling film or place in a sealed freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Cooked: Once cooled, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 180°C (160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4) for 20-25 minutes or until fully heated through.
Tips for Best Results:
✔️ Use freezer-friendly containers to prevent freezer burn.
✔️ Label your containers with the date and reheating instructions for convenience.
✔️ If freezing uncooked, place parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking.
✔️ Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can dry out the chicken.
Can This Recipe Be Adapted?
Absolutely! This Hasselback Chicken with Spinach, Ricotta & Cheddar is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or what you have in the fridge. Here are some easy ways to adapt it:
1. Make It Dairy-Free
Swap the ricotta and cheddar for dairy-free alternatives like a plant-based ricotta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour without the dairy.
2. Add Extra Veggies
Boost the nutrition by adding finely chopped mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
3. Swap the Protein
Not a fan of chicken? Try this method with turkey breasts or even salmon fillets for a different but delicious twist.
4. Spice It Up
Love a bit of heat? Add some chilli flakes or a teaspoon of harissa paste to the filling for extra flavour.
5. Make It Even Lighter
Reduce the syns further by using fat-free cottage cheese instead of ricotta or leaving out the cheddar altogether.
6. Try Different Seasonings
Switch up the flavour by using Italian herbs, Cajun seasoning, or even a little curry powder for a unique twist.
7. Turn It Into a Traybake
For an all-in-one meal, place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish with cherry tomatoes, courgettes, or butternut squash, then roast everything together.
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Hasselback Chicken with Spinach & Ricotta
Ingredients
- 4 Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 100g Fresh Spinach [Not Frozen]
- 80g Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese [Grated]
- 100g Reduced Fat Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Garlic Clove [Minced]
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Low-calorie cooking spray
Instructions
Oven Bake Option:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6).
- Prepare the chicken – Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and make deep slits (about 1cm apart), being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make the filling – In a bowl, mix the chopped spinach, minced garlic, ricotta cheese, grated cheddar, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken – Carefully fill each slit with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
- Bake – Lightly spray a baking tray with low-calorie cooking spray, place the chicken on the tray, and bake for 25 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 180°C and allow it to heat for a couple of minutes.
- Prepare the chicken – Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and make deep slits (about 1cm apart), being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Lightly Spray the Basket – Use a small amount of low-calorie cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness after 18 minutes.
- Check for Doneness – Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by inserting a knife into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, or use a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 75°C).
- Crispy Finish – If you want an extra golden top, increase the temperature to 200°C for the last 2-3 minutes.
