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Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, ricotta chicken recipe, easy chicken bake, Italian chicken recipe, creamy baked chicken