Time to Make Something Delicious: Hasselback Chicken

Madeline McGlothan '23 - Staff Writer

As teens grow into adulthood there are many new challenges they come across. One of those new challenges is cooking. Learning to use multiple tools, machines, and following instructions can be very intimidating. You also have to make sure you use correct measurements in order to succeed. In order to avoid these trials and tribulations, I will guide you along my journey of making Hasselback Chicken.

Despite the name of the name, this dish wasn’t a hassle to make. I found the dish on Tasty, a buzzfeed company, and liked the fact that it came with a video and written instructions. The ingredients included 1/4 cup of fresh spinach, 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese, two chicken breasts, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. I needed a side dish so I made green beans. I seasoned them with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey after plating the dish as a whole. Other good sides for this dish would be biscuits or even a fresh salad to balance out the dairy elements of the main course.

The most important thing to do first is wash your hands and preheat the oven to 400°F. Then I started cooking the spinach in a pan for about three to five minutes on high. After the spinach was cooked I added the ricotta cheese and stirred to make a thick sauce. Remember to turn the heat down before adding the ricotta so the cheese doesn’t burn (first attempt mistake). While the sauce cools, take out the chicken breasts and cut slits 1 1/2 an inch apart and about 3/4 of the way through the chicken. Then stuff the ricotta mixture into the cuts of the chicken. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper and add shredded cheese on top as well. After the cheese is placed, sprinkle the paprika over the cheese. Place the chicken in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, but I suggest 25 minutes to fully cook the meat. While the chicken was cooking, I placed a steam bag of green beans in the oven and put them in the microwave for three minutes. After three minutes I tossed the beans in salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

While reflecting on the process of making the dish I realized a few things. First off I don’t know how parents do this every night because I was exhausted after making the Hassleback chicken. With that being said, it tasted good and it didn’t take forever to make. I definitely struggled with making the spinach and ricotta mixture but I got the hang of it after watching the video the third time. My favorite part of the whole experience was being able to play my music and gave some time alone.

I presented the dish to my mother, brother, and stepdad after taking a few bites myself. Immediately after chewing my mom was a big fan. “I wasn’t expecting anything to be inside the chicken. Very good.” My step dad also enjoyed the dish but wished there was a little more kick to it by saying, “More paprika.” My younger brother on the other hand has a hard time even looking at the dish. He has a hard time trying new foods and this time wasn’t any different. When I told him it was for school, all he said was, “Do I have to eat this?” I would say the recipe was a success. After taking in suggestions I have better ways to improve the recipe into a later time and as well for my future in adulthood.