Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful ricotta topping. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

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 place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering them generously.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken to help create a golden, textured finish.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: (Optional) Warm marinara sauce while the chicken bakes. Serve it on the side or spooned over the chicken.
8. Step 8: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot alongside pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the ricotta mixture.
• Substitute fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you don’t have dried Italian seasoning.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter option without losing creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. The texture is best when reheated slowly to keep the ricotta creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may even stay juicier. Adjust baking time to 30-35 minutes to ensure they cook through.

Is marinara sauce necessary?

No, the dish is delicious on its own with the creamy ricotta topping. Marinara sauce is optional and adds a tangy tomato flavor if you like.

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 133 reviews

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Baked to perfection with a drizzle of olive oil, it offers a flavorful and comforting main course that’s simple to prepare for a quick weeknight dinner. Optional marinara sauce adds a vibrant touch, pairing wonderfully with pasta or vegetables.

• Author: Sophie
• 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-American

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)

Additional Ingredients

• 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 proper browning. Place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is generously coated for rich flavor.
5. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta-covered chicken to promote golden baking and enhance 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 with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the ricotta topping is bubbly.
7. Optional Marinara Sauce: Warm the marinara sauce while the chicken bakes. Serve it spooned over the baked chicken or on the side as preferred.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot alongside pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal.

Notes

• For best results, ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Fresh parsley adds bright flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
• Marinara sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy ricotta topping.
• This dish pairs well with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a light green salad.

Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, ricotta chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken breasts, Italian chicken recipe