Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a cheesy ricotta topping and simple seasonings, it transforms humble chicken breasts into a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Mix until creamy and well blended.
4. Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is generously covered.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken to help create a golden, textured finish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: (Optional) Warm marinara sauce while the chicken bakes to serve on top or on the side.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken hot, paired with pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy meal!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
• Swap fresh herbs like basil or thyme for parsley to change the flavor profile.
• Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter option without compromising creaminess.
• If you prefer, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end to brown the topping more deeply.

Storage

Store leftover baked ricotta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping from becoming watery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

For best results, use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts. Cooking frozen chicken may increase baking time and could cause uneven cooking.

Is marinara sauce necessary?

Marinara sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy ricotta. You can serve it on the side or omit it if you prefer a simpler dish.

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts generously topped with a ricotta and Parmesan mixture, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Baked to perfection and optionally served with marinara sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Ricotta Mixture

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Other

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Place the dried chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
4. Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is generously covered for maximum flavor.
5. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken breasts to help them bake golden and develop a lovely texture.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when cooked through and the ricotta topping is bubbly. Check doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
7. Optional Marinara Sauce: While the chicken is baking, warm the marinara sauce if using. Serve it on top or alongside the chicken as preferred.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot, complemented by pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry before baking is important to achieve good browning.
• Fresh parsley is optional but adds brightness to the ricotta topping.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Marinara sauce adds a nice tangy flavor and pairs well with the creamy ricotta topping.
• This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.

Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, ricotta chicken breast recipe, easy Italian chicken, baked chicken with cheese, creamy chicken dish