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
Scale
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.