Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts topped with a creamy, flavorful ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture, baked to perfection for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish is delicious on its own or served with marinara sauce and your favorite sides.
- 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
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)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat 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 promote browning. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
- 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 well until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is well covered for full flavor.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken to promote golden baking and a nice texture.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Marinara Sauce: While baking, warm the marinara sauce if desired. Serve it spooned over the baked chicken or on the side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot with your choice of pasta, vegetables, or salad for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before baking helps achieve a better sear and browning.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice freshness and color contrast to the dish.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked to the right temperature.
- Marinara sauce adds a flavorful, tangy accompaniment but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: baked chicken, ricotta chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, weeknight dinner
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/easy-baked-ricotta-chicken-recipe/
