Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

This is a simple and delicious recipe for baked ricotta chicken. It’s a great weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and tastes amazing. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the ricotta mixture is creamy and cheesy.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Top each chicken breast with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Tips

• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon dried parsley.
• You can use any type of marinara sauce you like.
• Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Variations

• Add some chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for a healthier twist.
• Top the chicken with mozzarella cheese before baking for a cheesy, gooey goodness.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier dish.
• Add some sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta mixture for a burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or rotini.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread.

Additional Information

• This recipe is easy to customize to your liking.
• It’s a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese.
• It’s a healthy and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

The Science Behind the Recipe

• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a versatile cheese that adds creaminess and flavor to this dish. It’s also a good source of protein and calcium.
• Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce adds acidity and flavor to the dish. It also helps to keep the chicken moist.
• Baking: Baking is a healthy way to cook chicken. It allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to cook evenly.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Dry Chicken: If your chicken is dry, try baking it for a shorter amount of time or adding a little bit of broth to the baking dish.
• Overcooked Ricotta Mixture: If the ricotta mixture is overcooked, it will become dry and crumbly. To prevent this, be careful not to overbake the dish.
• Undercooked Chicken: If the chicken is undercooked, it will be pink in the middle. To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.

Conclusion

This easy baked ricotta chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Additional Tips

• Meal Prep: This recipe can be easily meal prepped. Simply bake the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked chicken for later. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for

Yield: 4

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Print

This is a simple and delicious recipe for baked ricotta chicken. It's a great weeknight meal that's easy to prepare and tastes amazing. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the ricotta mixture is creamy and cheesy.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
   
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Stir until well blended.
   
4. Top the Chicken with Ricotta:
   Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, spreading it into an even layer.
   
5. Add Marinara Sauce and Mozzarella:
   Pour the marinara sauce around and over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each chicken breast.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, and serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.

Notes

Ricotta Substitute: Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta for a lighter option.

Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ricotta mixture for a deeper flavor.

Serving Ideas: Pair with pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.