Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

I whipped up a baked ricotta chicken recipe with juicy chicken breasts, zesty marinara sauce, and a trio of cheeses including ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add character to each bite. I find this dish refreshingly simple, leaving just enough mystery to spark my culinary curiosity.

I recently tried out this Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe and I gotta say, its a game-changer if you love a little extra sauce on your chicken. I started with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned them with salt and pepper, a touch of garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning, then drizzled olive oil over the top.

Trust me, the secret is in the layering; after a quick sear, I slathered on 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce and spooned a generous amount of ricotta cheese right in the middle. Then I added 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and sprinkled half a cup of grated Parmesan on top.

When it baked in the oven, all those cheeses melted into a delicious blend that turned this dish into one of my favorite chicken dinner recipes. Its a perfect twist on classic chicken entrees and works great even when youre short on time.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really dig this recipe for several reasons. First, I love how easy it is to pull together even when I’m not feeling super fancy in the kitchen. There’s just something about the way the marinara sauce mixes with all that melty ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan that makes every bite so satisfying. Second, the chicken turns out really juicy and tasty, especially after you sear it a bit before baking. It’s like every piece gets a great golden crust and then soaks up all that cheesy, saucy goodness. And last but not least, I really appreciate how the flavors come together in such a simple but mouthwatering way. Every time I make it, I know I’m in for a treat.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts are high in protein and low in fat, keeping meals lean and healthy.
• Olive oil is rich in healthy fats that help improve cholesterol levels and add moisture.
• Marinara sauce packs tangy tomato flavor and a pinch of herbs for extra zing.
• Ricotta cheese is creamy and mild, contributing protein and a delicate texture.
• Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, offering a gooey texture and calcium boost.
• Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor along with extra depth and saltiness.
• Fresh basil offers a bright, herbal note and garnish appeal.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning.

3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until they start getting a golden color.

4. Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

5. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets plenty of that saucy goodness.

6. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast.

7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then add the grated Parmesan cheese for a nice cheesy crust.

8. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheeses are all melty.

9. Garnish with fresh basil if you like before serving and enjoy your delicious baked ricotta chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – for baking the chicken at 375°F
2. Baking dish – to hold the chicken and sauce while baking
3. Skillet – for searing the chicken on the stove
4. Tongs – for flipping the chicken breasts during searing
5. Spoon – for spooning the ricotta cheese onto the chicken
6. Measuring spoons – to accurately season with garlic powder and Italian seasoning
7. (Optional) Basting brush or paper towel – for lightly greasing the baking dish
8. (Optional) Knife and cutting board – if you need to chop fresh basil for garnish

FAQ

Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese instead. It might be a bit lumpy but still tastes good
• Instead of Italian seasoning, try making your own blend with dried basil, oregano, and thyme
• If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil will work fine
• Swap marinara sauce for a good roasted tomato sauce if you want a slightly different flavor
• And if mozzarella is hard to come by, provolone or Monterey Jack cheeses are a decent substitute

Pro Tips

1. You should always check your chicken’s done by using a meat thermometer, cuz you don’t want it to be undercook or dry out by accident.
2. Try addin a bit more garlic or even some fresh minced garlic to the marinara if you really love garlic flavor, it can really kick up the taste of the dish.
3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven so the juices settle in better and keeps your meat nice and moist.
4. If you got any fresh basil, don’t be shy to sprinkle it right before serving, it brings a nice bright flavor that kinda cuts through the cheesy richness.