Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

This easy baked ricotta chicken is a creamy, cheesy dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The flavorful ricotta topping bakes to golden perfection, complementing tender chicken breasts. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious meal everyone will love.

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) and 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 well mixed.
4. Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering generously.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken to help it bake golden and create a nice texture.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: While the chicken bakes, warm marinara sauce if desired. Serve it spooned over the chicken or on the side.
8. Step 8: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot with your favorite sides like pasta, vegetables, or salad. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
• Swap fresh herbs like basil or thyme if Italian seasoning isn’t available.
• Use low-fat ricotta to lighten the dish without losing creaminess.
• If marinara isn’t your preference, try a lemon butter sauce for a fresh twist.
• To save time, prepare the ricotta topping in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

Storage

Store leftover baked ricotta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the cheese creamy and the chicken tender.

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 avoid excess moisture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before starting.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the ricotta and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ. Look for creamy plant-based ricotta substitutes for the best results.

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 58 reviews

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe offers a creamy, cheesy twist on oven-baked chicken breasts. Topped with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs, then drizzled with olive oil and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish makes a quick, delicious weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying.

• Author: Mia
• 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
• Diet: Low Salt

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)

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 sticking and prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This step helps the chicken brown better. Place the dried chicken breasts into the greased 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 until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread the Ricotta Mixture. Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each is generously covered to maximize flavor.
5. Add Olive Oil. Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken breasts. This will aid in achieving a golden, textured finish while baking.
6. Bake the Chicken. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly and lightly golden. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Optional Marinara Sauce. While the chicken bakes, warm the marinara sauce if you wish to serve it. Once the chicken is finished, spoon the sauce over the top or serve it on the side.
8. Serve and Enjoy! Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot alongside pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry before baking helps achieve a better sear and browning.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• The marinara sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy ricotta topping.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked for safety and best texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the ricotta topping may firm up but still tastes delicious.

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