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If you’re craving a dinner that’s cozy, comforting, and bursting with layers of cheesy goodness, the Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. Tender chicken breasts get an irresistible makeover under a creamy ricotta blend, a zesty marinara sauce, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect balance of fresh herbs, savory cheese, and rich tomato flavor that turns a simple weeknight meal into something truly special. Trust me, once you make this Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—every item here is straightforward, yet each one plays a starring role in creating that luscious, well-rounded flavor and texture. From fresh herbs to creamy cheeses, these ingredients ensure your Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe will shine with vibrant taste and satisfying richness.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender canvas for this cheesy, saucy masterpiece.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides the creamy, mild base that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture into a smooth, spreadable topping.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp bite to the ricotta layer for depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and savory notes that lift the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to life.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (plus more for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh, aromatic herbiness.
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce: The tangy, rich tomato sauce that adds moisture and a hint of acidity.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over everything to create that irresistible golden crust.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of mild heat and complexity.
How to Make Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your chicken won’t stick and everything cooks evenly. Then, place the chicken breasts in the dish and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to build a flavorful base.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ricotta Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, freshly chopped basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend adds a luscious layer of cheesy, herby goodness that will melt into the chicken while baking, guaranteeing juicy, tender bites.
Step 3: Spread the Ricotta over the Chicken
Gently spoon and spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the top of each seasoned chicken breast. This step is crucial for that signature creamy texture that defines the Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe. Try to cover each breast with a nice layer without letting it drip over the sides.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese
Pour the marinara sauce carefully around and slightly over the ricotta-topped chicken. Be sure not to cover the ricotta completely so it can bubble and turn golden. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over each piece. For extra flavor, you can add a little more Parmesan or basil at this point—a personal touch that never disappoints.
Step 5: Bake Covered and Uncovered
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the cheeses to meld gently. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final bake will bring the cheese to a golden, bubbly perfection and ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time locks in the juices and keeps every bite as tender as possible. Top off with additional fresh basil to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that lifts the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves is the perfect finishing touch for your Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe, adding a burst of bright, herbal aroma and a vibrant splash of green that makes the dish look as incredible as it tastes. You might also sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the rich sauce. Think buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or fluffy mashed potatoes. Even roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add great texture and balance the creaminess delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve each chicken breast on a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, letting the sauce mingle with the noodles. Alternatively, use shallow bowls, layering slices of chicken with marinara and a sprinkle of basil, to create a rustic, family-style meal experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe leftovers will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, so reheated portions taste just as wonderful as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, keeping the cheese melty without drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of ricotta?
While ricotta’s creamy, mild flavor is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with cottage cheese or cream cheese blended with a bit of milk. However, these will alter the texture and taste slightly, so stick with ricotta if you want the classic Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe experience.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses just chicken, cheese, and sauce. Just double-check the labels on your marinara sauce and seasonings to be sure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
You can, but bone-in breasts will require longer baking time to ensure they’re fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the cheese so it doesn’t overbrown.
What herbs can I substitute for basil?
If basil isn’t available, fresh parsley or oregano are tasty substitutes that complement the Italian flavors nicely. Use fresh herbs whenever possible to keep your dish vibrant and fragrant.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, add the mozzarella cheese and bake as directed. This is perfect for making dinner easy after a busy day.
Final Thoughts
The Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of Italian magic to your dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor without being complicated—making it perfect for family meals or impressing guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how effortlessly delicious it is!
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Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious and creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken combines tender chicken breasts topped with a ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided, some for seasoning chicken)
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the chicken.
- Season chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Make ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Spread ricotta on chicken: Spoon and evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the top of each chicken breast, coating them thoroughly.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce around the chicken in the baking dish, allowing it to slightly spread over the chicken but not fully covering the ricotta layer.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each chicken breast. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese or chopped basil for garnish and more flavor.
- Bake covered: Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through gently.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the baked chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a beautiful presentation and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor but can be substituted with dried basil if needed.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be doubled for a larger family or meal prep.
