This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a treat! Juicy chicken breasts are topped with creamy ricotta and herbs, baked until golden. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for any night of the week!
Honestly, I can’t resist how cheesy and delicious this dish is! Serve it with some pasta or a salad for a complete meal. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This is the star of the dish, providing creaminess. If you’re looking for lower fat options, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Just blend it until smooth!
Chicken Breasts: I always use boneless and skinless for ease, but you could also use thighs if you prefer more flavor. Just remember, cooking times may vary!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty kick. If you want a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Pecorino romano is another great alternative if you can’t find Parmesan.
Marinara Sauce: Using store-bought is quick and easy. If you’re up for it, homemade sauce can take this to another level! You can even try pesto for a twist.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to perfection is key. Here are some tips:
- Always start with chicken that’s at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps with browning.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. It’s the best way to avoid dry chicken!
- If you want an extra crispy top, consider broiling for the last few minutes but keep a close eye on it!
With these tips, your Baked Ricotta Chicken will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy!
Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time around 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with some olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the oven. Once dry, place them in your prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if you’re using it. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Spread the Ricotta Mixture
Now, take that delicious ricotta mixture and spread it evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure each piece is generously covered for maximum flavor!
5. Add Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken. This is going to help everything bake up golden and create a lovely texture.
6. Bake the Chicken
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is nice and bubbly—a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the center of the chicken.
7. Optional Marinara Sauce
If you like, warm some marinara sauce while the chicken is baking. Once the chicken is cooked, you can spoon the sauce over the top or serve it on the side.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, serve the baked ricotta chicken while it’s hot. It goes great with pasta, a side of veggies, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy dish!
FAQ for Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture. Just remember that they may require a slightly longer cooking time, so check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar creamy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and ricotta mixture a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
