Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy, flavorful ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Optional Serving
- 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 sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure good browning. Place them evenly spaced in the greased baking dish.
- Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Generously spread the ricotta mixture over the top of each chicken breast, covering them evenly for maximum flavor.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken to help create a golden, appealing crust while baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Optional Marinara Sauce: While the chicken bakes, warm the marinara sauce if desired. Serve it alongside or spoon over the baked chicken for added flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot, paired with your favorite pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry ensures better browning and texture.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked.
- The marinara sauce is optional but adds a nice acidity to balance the creamy cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
Keywords: baked chicken, ricotta chicken, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, creamy chicken, weeknight dinner
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/easy-baked-ricotta-chicken-recipe/