Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
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
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)
- 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 encourage browning, then place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
- 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.
- Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Generously spread the ricotta mixture over the tops of each chicken breast, ensuring even coverage for flavor throughout.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the ricotta-topped chicken to promote a golden, textured finish while baking.
- 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).
- Optional Marinara Sauce: While baking, warm marinara sauce to serve on the side or spoon over the cooked chicken as desired.
- 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