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Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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.

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)

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