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
Scale
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
