Introduction

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a creamy, cheesy dish that comes together quickly and makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a flavorful ricotta mixture and baked to golden perfection. Serve it alongside pasta or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Three pieces of baked chicken breasts sit in a white rectangular dish on top of a white marbled surface. Each chicken breast is covered by a thick layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with bubbly texture, mixed with roasted red cherry tomato pieces. The creamy sauce underneath the chicken shows a pale orange color with a slightly oily surface. Fresh green basil leaves and finely chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a bright green contrast to the warm colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Stir until creamy and well mixed.
Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken to help achieve a golden texture.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: If desired, warm marinara sauce while the chicken bakes, and serve it on the side or spooned over the chicken.
Step 8: Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a mild heat.
Swap fresh herbs like basil or thyme for parsley to tailor the flavor to your taste.
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield juicier results.
Try topping the chicken with a little shredded mozzarella before baking for an extra cheesy crust.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The dish shows two large pieces of baked chicken covered with a thick layer of melted cheese that is golden brown on top, with spots of darker browning. Beneath the cheese, the chicken is white and tender, sitting in a rich, orange creamy sauce that fills the white baking dish around the chicken. The dish is garnished with fresh green basil leaves and finely chopped herbs scattered on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The cheese layer appears bubbly and slightly crusty, and the sauce looks smooth with a glossy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken and ricotta topping a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

What can I serve with baked ricotta chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, steamed or roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread to soak up any juices or sauce.

Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan mixture seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, baked to perfection for a delicious, comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil

Ricotta Mixture

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Optional for Serving

1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Spread the Ricotta Mixture: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the tops of each chicken breast, ensuring they are generously covered for maximum flavor.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the ricotta-topped chicken breasts to promote golden baking and create a lovely texture.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the ricotta topping is bubbly and lightly golden.
Optional Marinara Sauce: While the chicken bakes, warm the marinara sauce if using. Serve it over the chicken or on the side as desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked ricotta chicken hot alongside pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before baking helps achieve better browning and texture.
Using fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
The marinara sauce is optional but pairs well to add tangy contrast to the creamy topping.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken, Italian chicken recipe