Print

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/easy-baked-ricotta-chicken-recipe/