Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that features tender chicken breast stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese and flavorful herbs. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
1. Introduction to Baked Ricotta Chicken
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds. The combination of juicy chicken breast and creamy ricotta cheese, flavored with garlic, herbs, and lemon zest, creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in or a festive dinner party.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Baked Ricotta Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast
- Ricotta Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic
- Fresh Herbs (such as parsley, basil, or thyme)
- Lemon Zest
- Salt and Pepper
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to the desired temperature. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for easier stuffing. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the ricotta mixture.
4. Assembly and Cooking Instructions
Using a sharp knife, make a slit in the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket for the ricotta filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture, then use toothpicks to secure the opening closed.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish, seam side down, and drizzle with olive oil. Season the tops of the chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
5. Serving Suggestions
Once the Baked Ricotta Chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish the chicken with additional fresh herbs and lemon zest for a burst of freshness and flavor. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
6. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, in place of the Parmesan for a different flavor profile. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether.
7. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Baked Ricotta Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for easier stuffing and quicker cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken breasts to prevent them from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
8. Health Benefits of Baked Ricotta Chicken
Baked Ricotta Chicken is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, while ricotta cheese adds calcium and protein. Fresh herbs and garlic provide vitamins and antioxidants, while lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor and vitamin C.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Baked Ricotta Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken breast stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a dinner party with friends, Baked Ricotta Chicken is sure to impress.
Source: saltandlavender.com
Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that features tender chicken breast stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese and flavorful herbs. In this article, we'll explore how to make this mouthwatering recipe that's perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk preferred
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- Fresh basil optional (for serving)
- Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Cut the chicken in half lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets, then season the chicken with salt & pepper.
- To a medium bowl, add the ricotta, parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and mix together.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into a 9×13 casserole dish, and then spread it out evenly.
- Arrange the chicken side-by-side in the casserole dish, and spread the ricotta mixture on top of each piece of chicken.
- Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Tightly cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Take the casserole dish out of the oven, and remove the foil. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top of the chicken, and return it to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165F).
- If desired, broil for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese (watch it doesn't burn).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes prior to serving. Season with extra salt & pepper if needed, and top with fresh basil if using.