Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Simple Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up this Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe for a creamy, tender, and simple weeknight dinner. A family favorite with minimal fuss!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs total)
02 -
15 oz (about 1 ¾ cups) whole milk ricotta cheese
03 -
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
05 -
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
06 -
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
→ Seasonings & Oil
07 -
1 tbsp olive oil
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps them sear nicely. Now, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound 'em thin, about 1/2-inch thick. You want an even thickness so they cook uniformly. I used to skip this step, and I'd end up with dry edges and raw middles, oops! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. You can almost smell the anticipation of flavor building already.
02 -
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works beautifully here!) over medium-high heat. Once that oil shimmers, add your chicken breasts. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they're golden brown. We're not cooking them through here, just getting a nice crust and locking in some flavor. This is where the magic starts, honestly – that sizzle and the smell of browning chicken? Divine! Don't overcrowd the pan, you might need to do this in batches.
03 -
While your chicken is doing its thing, grab a medium bowl. Combine your whole milk ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and about half of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together until it's well combined and looks wonderfully creamy. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. This is the heart of our Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe, so make sure it tastes good! I always taste a tiny bit here to check the seasoning, it's my little chef's privilege.
04 -
Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If you're using the same skillet, wipe out any excess oil. Pour about half of your marinara sauce into the bottom of the skillet, spreading it evenly. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Now, spoon a generous dollop of that creamy ricotta mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it out a bit. It doesn't have to be perfect; a little rustic charm is good!
05 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the ricotta is on the chicken, pour the remaining marinara sauce over and around the chicken, making sure everything is nicely coated. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. This is where it starts to look like a real meal, you know? Slide that skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. My kitchen always smells incredible at this point!
06 -
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial for the juices to redistribute, making your chicken extra tender. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, and there you have it! A beautiful, comforting dinner. It always smells so herbaceous and cheesy when it comes out, and the chicken is just so juicy. Serve it up and enjoy your creation!
# Notes:
01 -
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking; I learned this the hard way!
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; avoid aggressive microwaving to prevent sauce separation.
03 -
If you're out of fresh basil, a tiny pinch of dried basil can work, but add it earlier in the cooking.
04 -
Serving with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce is a must for me!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
meat mallet (or heavy pan)
04 -
mixing bowl
05 -
whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
Protein: 40 g