If you are craving a comforting yet elegant dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are blanketed with a luscious ricotta cheese mixture, perfectly seasoned and baked under a bubbling mozzarella topping, all swimming in a vibrant marinara sauce. This dish is a beautiful harmony of creamy, cheesy, and herby flavors that come together effortlessly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the flavors in this Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe; the ingredients are straightforward, accessible, and each one plays an important role. From the creamy ricotta to the fresh basil, every item contributes to the dish’s irresistible richness, freshness, and color.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that cooks up juicy and tender under the cheesy layers.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a mild tang for a dreamy texture that sets this dish apart.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty depth, enhancing the savory flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warm, aromatic undertones that complement the chicken and herbs.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savoriness to the ricotta blend.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant medley of oregano, basil, and thyme that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (plus more for garnish): Lends fresh herbal brightness and gorgeous green accents.
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-rich base that roasts around the chicken.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into golden, gooey perfection atop each chicken breast.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick for balance.
How to Make Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your chicken from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Getting this step right sets the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts in the baking dish and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. This simple seasoning ensures every bite is bursting with flavor before it even meets the cheese.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that will melt beautifully into the chicken.
Step 4: Spread Ricotta on Chicken
Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, spreading it out to cover completely. This layer is what brings that rich, dreamy texture that makes this Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe so special.
Step 5: Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce around and slightly over the chicken breasts, making sure not to cover the ricotta layer entirely. This will help the chicken stay moist while adding a tangy, savory tomato flavor.
Step 6: Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over each breast. You can add extra Parmesan or basil on top if you want to amp up the cheesy or herbal notes before baking.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep the chicken moist and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The cover traps steam and lets everything meld together.
Step 8: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. This step adds a beautiful crust to your melty cheese.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in those juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal fragrance that makes the presentation irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch, bringing bright green color and an aromatic fresh burst every time. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving elevates the cheesy goodness visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides to balance its richness. Roasted vegetables, garlic butter green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad complement it beautifully. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread are fantastic companions that soak up those delicious marinara juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this chicken on a bed of fresh spinach or over buttery polenta for a cozy, elegant presentation. For family-style dinners, place the chicken breasts in a large dish surrounded by roasted cherry tomatoes and basil sprigs. The vibrant colors and textures will make the table look as delightful as the food tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the chicken retains its moisture and flavor for easy next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out, and add a few basil leaves after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan create the perfect creamy and melty combo for this Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe, you can experiment with fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as there are no breading or flour-based ingredients included. Just make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may add thickeners.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe relies on ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, so making it dairy-free would require substitutes. You could try vegan ricotta and plant-based cheeses, but the flavor and texture will differ from the original.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the cheese should be golden and bubbly.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach leaves, or sliced bell peppers work nicely around the chicken breasts. They will cook in the sauce and add color, flavor, and nutrients to your meal.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe has all the ingredients for a meal that feels like a loving embrace—warm, cheesy, and delightfully satisfying. It’s simple enough to make on a busy night but special enough to impress anyone at your table. I encourage you to give it a try and let it become one of your go-to recipes that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
Print
Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta mixture, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines Italian-inspired herbs and cheeses, baked to perfection for a cheesy, saucy main course that pairs wonderfully with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided, for seasoning and ricotta mixture)
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (plus more for garnish)
Sauce and Topping
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides of each breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Apply Ricotta Mixture: Spoon and spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, creating a flavorful layer that will bake into a delicious topping.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce around and slightly over the chicken breasts, being careful not to completely cover the ricotta layer to allow it to brown and set.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each breast. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese or basil for added flavor and presentation.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity accordingly.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
