Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta-covered chicken to promote golden baking and enhance texture.
- 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.
- Optional Marinara Sauce: Warm the marinara sauce while the chicken bakes. Serve it spooned over the baked chicken or on the side as preferred.
- 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