Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dinner that’s simple to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a delicious ricotta and Parmesan mixture, then baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the fuss.

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). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown. 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 parsley if using. Mix until creamy and well blended.
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 encourage a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: If desired, warm the marinara sauce separately and spoon it over the chicken before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with your choice of pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lower-fat option, substitute ricotta cheese with blended cottage cheese for similar creaminess.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor, but check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as they may take longer to cook.
• Try swapping marinara sauce for pesto to add a fresh, herbaceous twist.
• If you want a crispier topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely.
• Parmesan can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid reheating multiple times.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thighs may need a few additional minutes in the oven compared to breasts.

What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?

No problem! Cottage cheese blended until smooth works well as a substitute. Cream cheese mixed with a little milk can also mimic the creamy texture if that’s what you have on hand.

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 56 reviews

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe combines creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese with tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection. It’s a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, featuring simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a comforting, cheesy dish ready in about 40 minutes.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to encourage browning, then place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir until smooth and well blended.
4. Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Generously spread the ricotta mixture over the tops of each chicken breast, ensuring even coverage for flavor throughout.
5. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the ricotta-topped chicken to promote a golden, textured finish while baking.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Optional Marinara Sauce: While baking, warm marinara sauce to serve on the side or spoon over the cooked chicken as desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot, paired with pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness; adjust baking time accordingly.
• Substitute ricotta cheese with blended cottage cheese or cream cheese mixed with milk for a similar creamy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the chicken—165°F (74°C) internal temperature is safe.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in oven or microwave.
• Prepare the dish assembly a day ahead, refrigerate covered, and add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
• For a crispy topping, broil the chicken for the last few minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, easy chicken recipe, creamy chicken, Italian chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, ricotta cheese chicken