This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with creamy ricotta cheese. It’s topped with your favorite herbs for extra flavor!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! Just bake the chicken with ricotta, and it’s like a cheesy hug on your plate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs instead. They stay tender and juicy while baking.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using tofu blended until smooth or a dairy-free ricotta. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
Garlic: Minced garlic enhances flavor. If you’re not a garlic lover, you can reduce the amount or use garlic powder instead.
Italian Seasoning: This mix brings out wonderful flavors. You can make your own using equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you like to tweak your spices.
How Do I Bake the Chicken Just Right?
Baking chicken perfectly takes care and attention. Here are some tips to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful:
- Before seasoning, let the chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Give each chicken breast enough space so it cooks through without steaming.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
- If the ricotta mixture starts to brown, but the chicken isn’t done, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 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 it a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick but delicious dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
3. Mix the Ricotta Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir well to get everything nicely mixed together.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or a spatula to spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Make sure every piece is covered—it adds all the cheesy goodness!
5. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken and ricotta topping.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Add Marinara (Optional):
If you like, take the baked chicken out of the oven and spoon some warm marinara sauce over it for an added layer of flavor before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm with your favorite sides, like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy baked chicken that’s easy to prepare and delicious!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While ricotta and Parmesan work beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that each cheese may alter the final taste somewhat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Calories?
To make this dish a bit lighter, consider using reduced-fat ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Additionally, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option without adding too many calories.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the ricotta mixture ahead of time. Assembled, it can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve with Baked Ricotta Chicken?
Great sides include garlic bread, a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. These sides complement the creamy ricotta chicken perfectly!
