Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, this Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are topped with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, seasoned with herbs, and baked to perfection. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!

If you love creamy, cheesy dishes, but want something on the lighter side, this Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake will quickly become a favorite. It’s a wonderful combination of tender baked chicken topped with a rich, herby ricotta cheese mixture, all baked until perfectly golden and bubbly. The best part? It’s so easy to prepare and can be on your dinner table in under an hour!

Why Ricotta Cheese Works for Chicken

Ricotta cheese is known for its light, creamy texture, making it an ideal topping for baked chicken. It adds a subtle richness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the chicken. Plus, ricotta is packed with protein and calcium, making it a healthy addition to this recipe. It keeps the dish moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder for added flavor.
3. Brown the chicken (optional): If you prefer a more flavorful base, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 2-3 minutes on each side before baking. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.

Making the Ricotta Mixture

1. Combine the ricotta: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley (if using). Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
2. Taste the mixture: Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your taste. The ricotta should be flavorful and well-seasoned.

Assembling the Chicken Bake

1. Layer the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
2. Spread the ricotta mixture: Generously spread the ricotta mixture over each chicken breast, making sure to cover the top evenly.
3. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta-covered chicken breasts to create a gooey, melty topping.

Baking the Chicken

1. Bake uncovered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Broil for a golden finish: If you want a golden, crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This Ricotta Chicken Bake is a versatile dish that pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy side.
• Pasta or rice: A simple side of pasta, rice, or quinoa works perfectly to soak up the cheesy goodness.
• Garlic bread: Add some crusty garlic bread on the side for extra flavor.

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
2. Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the ricotta mixture for a heartier dish.
• Swap cheeses: If you prefer a different flavor, try using feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta. You can also experiment with gouda or provolone for the topping.
• Use different herbs: Customize the flavor by adding fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the ricotta mixture.

Conclusion

This Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with your favorite sides, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, easy, and delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and ricotta mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
3. Is there a way to make this dish lighter? To make a lighter version, you can use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella, or swap the ricotta for cottage cheese. You can also skip the cheese topping altogether.
4. What other seasonings can I use? Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or lemon zest to add a unique twist to the dish.
5. Can I add more cheese to the recipe? Definitely! If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or even some shredded provolone for an even cheesier dish.

Yield: 4

Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake Recipe

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If you're looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, this Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are topped with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, seasoned with herbs, and baked to perfection. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

3. Make the Ricotta Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Bake:

• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
• Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, spreading it out to cover them.

5. Bake the Chicken:

• Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the ricotta-covered chicken.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can switch the oven to broil to get a golden, bubbly top on the cheese.

6. Serve:

• Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve.

Notes

Substitutions: You can use spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving suggestions: Serve this chicken bake with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.