Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This easy baked ricotta chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a cheesy ricotta mixture and baked until golden and delicious. Serve it with marinara sauce and fresh parsley for a simple yet satisfying meal.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil.
- Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden.
- Step 6: Optional: Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning for a brighter flavor.
- For a richer topping, add a beaten egg to the ricotta mixture to help it set while baking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm. For best texture, avoid overheating the ricotta topping to prevent it from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and the topping adheres well. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made ahead. Store portions in individual containers and reheat as needed for easy lunches or dinners.
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Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a creamy and flavorful mixture of ricotta and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Baked in the oven until golden and juicy, this dish is simple yet delicious, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Optional marinara sauce and fresh parsley add extra flavor and color for serving.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Ricotta Topping
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Mix Ricotta Topping: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish and drizzle them with the olive oil to add flavor and help keep the chicken moist during baking.
- Apply Ricotta Mixture: Evenly spread the ricotta cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast, covering the surface for a creamy, flavorful crust.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the ricotta topping turns golden and slightly browned.
- Serve with Garnish: For an optional touch, spoon marinara sauce over the baked chicken breasts and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried Italian seasoning if available for a fresher taste.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- For a lower-fat option, use part-skim ricotta cheese.
- The recipe can be prepared ahead of time by mixing the topping and storing separately until ready to bake.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, easy chicken recipe, ricotta cheese chicken, Italian chicken bake, healthy chicken dinner
