This recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts filled with a bright and tangy lemon-dill sauce, perfect for a fresh and flavorful dinner. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your family or guests.
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning it now and then until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and let it cool before chopping. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet, then add the shallot and cook it over medium-low heat until it caramelizes and turns sweet and golden, about 5 to 10 minutes.
While the shallots cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a glass casserole dish with cooking spray. Take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket down the center, about an inch from the top and stopping about an inch from the bottom. Make a few shallow cuts horizontally across the pocket to help it open up.
Mix together the chopped bacon, caramelized shallots, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl. Stuff each chicken breast with 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mixture, then place them in the prepared dish.
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. While the chicken starts cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in the cream, lemon juice, white wine, and dill, and cook the sauce, stirring gently, until it thickens a bit—about 5 minutes.
Once the initial baking time is up, take the chicken out and pour the lemon-dill sauce over it. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Finally, move the oven rack close to the broiler and broil the chicken for about 3 minutes, just until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. Then it’s ready to serve!
- Use fresh dill for the best aroma and flavor.
- Pound the chicken breasts evenly to help them cook through without drying out.
- Secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
This dish is bright and flavorful thanks to the fresh lemon and dill. The creamy sauce inside the chicken keeps the meat juicy and tender. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that feels special.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce. Roasted potatoes or rice pilaf also pair well and soak up any extra sauce on the plate.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist and avoid drying out the sauce.
