Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is very good! Creamy ricotta and herbs are spread on juicy chicken breasts and cooked till golden. It’s easy to make, tastes great, and is great for any night of the week!
I really can’t help how cheesy and good this dish is! You may make a whole dinner by serving it with spaghetti or a salad. Believe me, you’ll want more!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Ricotta cheese is the main ingredient that makes the meal creamy. Cottage cheese can be an excellent substitute if you want something with less fat. Just mix it up till it’s smooth!
I always use boneless and skinless chicken breasts since they are easier to work with, but you could also use thighs if you want more flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times can change!
Parmesan cheese gives it a lovely salty flavor. Nutritional yeast may give you a cheese flavor without the dairy if you want a dairy-free alternative. If you can’t get Parmesan, pecorino romano is another fantastic choice.
Store-bought marinara sauce is quick and easy to use. Making your own sauce can take this to the next level if you’re up for it! You may even try pesto for a change.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly butter it with some olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. - Prepare the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and blot them dry with paper towels. This will help them brown properly in the oven. Once dry, place them in your prepared baking dish. - Mix the filling for the ricotta
If you’re using parsley, chop it up and add it to a medium bowl with the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is completely mixed and creamy.
- Spread the Ricotta Mixture
Now, take that lovely ricotta mixture and distribute it equally over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure each piece is liberally covered for optimum flavor! - Add Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken. This is going to help everything bake up golden and give a nice texture. - 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 lovely and bubbly—a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the center of the chicken. - 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. - 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!
Tips & FAQs
How can I make sure the chicken is cooked just right?
Cooking chicken perfectly is very important. Here are some ideas:
Always start with chicken that has been at room temperature. This helps it cook all the way through.
Before you season the chicken, make sure to dry it off. This helps with getting brown.
Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest portion. It’s the best method to avoid dry chicken!
If you want an extra crispy top, consider broiling for the last few minutes but keep a close check on it!
With these suggestions, your Baked Ricotta Chicken will turn out great every time! Enjoy!
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.
Is it possible to do this ahead of time?
You can make the chicken and ricotta mix a day ahead of time. Put the dish together, cover it well, and put it in the fridge. Just put it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, add a few minutes to the baking time.