Baked Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting yet elegant meal that sings with classic Italian flavors, the Baked Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken breasts topped with a luscious ricotta and parmesan blend, smothered in vibrant marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, creating a melty, savory masterpiece that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Every bite is a harmonious mix of creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy ricotta that adds richness, to the tangy marinara providing a bright tomato base, and the mozzarella that crowns the dish with golden, bubbly perfection.

• Chicken breasts: Using large chicken breasts cut into thinner cutlets ensures quick and even cooking.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta creates a creamy, smooth texture that blends beautifully with the parmesan.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the ricotta.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the cheese mixture with aromatic depth.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
• Marinara sauce: A classic tomato sauce that makes the dish saucy and vibrant.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into a gooey, golden topping.
• Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note when served.

How to Make Baked Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and position the rack near the top third to ensure even cooking and beautiful browning later on. Next, cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, transforming them into thinner cutlets that cook quickly and soak up flavor better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to lay the foundational seasoning for this tasty dish.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, freshly grated parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Giving this mixture a thorough stir will meld the flavors together and create a creamy, seasoned topping that’s the star of this recipe’s signature cheesy layer.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Pour half of the marinara sauce into your 9×13 casserole dish and spread it evenly to create a flavorful base. Arrange the chicken cutlets side by side on top of the sauce. Spoon generous amounts of the ricotta mixture on each piece of chicken, and then drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over them. This layering ensures each bite is dripping with cheesy tomato goodness.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook gently while keeping the ricotta mixture from drying out, melding all those wonderful ingredients together in warm harmony.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For an extra-special touch, switch your oven to broil for 2 minutes to get the mozzarella bubbling and golden—but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven; this helps the juices redistribute and the cheesy topping to set just a bit. If desired, sprinkle with extra salt, pepper, and fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Baked Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches really elevate this dish. A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, adds a fragrant brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and tomato sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also make the presentation shine.

Side Dishes

This Baked Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up all the sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or even a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide texture contrast and balance the richness effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cooked pasta or creamy polenta to turn this into a hearty, complete meal. Layering it in individual ramekins makes for an elegant presentation when entertaining guests, turning a rustic casserole into something a little more refined and personal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Freeze the unbaked assembled dish in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes for cooking if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth chicken texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sacrifice some of the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of ricotta and mozzarella?

Absolutely! While ricotta and mozzarella give this recipe its classic creamy texture and gooey melt, you can substitute or add cheeses like fontina or provolone for a slightly different flavor profile.

Is it necessary to cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise?

Cutting the chicken breasts thin helps them cook evenly and absorb more of the ricotta and marinara flavors. If you have thin chicken cutlets, you can use them as is, but thicker breasts might not cook through evenly without cutting.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, try using dairy-free ricotta alternatives and vegan mozzarella. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it can still be delicious!

What can I do with the extra marinara sauce?

This recipe makes plenty of sauce, which is fantastic over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also use leftover sauce for dipping bread or as a base for other meals.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking times can vary depending on your oven and chicken thickness, so this helps ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with the Baked Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that brings so much flavor and comfort to your table with minimal fuss. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorites!

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