Baked Ricotta Chicken Breasts

This baked ricotta chicken is the answer when I crave something rich yet straightforward for dinner Creamy ricotta with herbs and Parmesan is layered over juicy chicken breasts sealed with a bit of crunch and finished bubbling under a blanket of melted mozzarella The flavors meld into a gentle hug that always impresses family and guests alike

The first time I served this at a family birthday my mom asked for the recipe before dessert was even served Now she makes it in her own kitchen for company all the time

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Look for firm plump pieces without too much liquid in the packaging for best results
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy fresh ricotta melts beautifully full-fat gives the richest result
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and nuttiness Shred your own for best flavor
• Fresh basil: Chopped for an herby punch Bright green leaves are a sign of freshness
• Garlic powder: Enhances the filling without burning or overpowering
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor opt for fresh powder with no clumps
• Dried oregano: Classic Italian earthiness Check for fragrance to ensure it’s not stale
• Red pepper flakes: Brings gentle heat adjust to taste
• Olive oil: For moisture and richness Always use extra virgin for better flavor
• Breadcrumbs: Toasted ones add great texture Use panko or homemade if possible
• Salt: Brings all flavors into harmony
• Black pepper: Choose freshly cracked for more impact
• Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for extra personality Vibrant red color means great tomatoes were used
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: Adds gooey melted creamy finish Whole-milk mozzarella gives best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set the oven to 375 Fahrenheit or 190 Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little olive oil For even baking make sure your oven is fully hot before placing the chicken inside

Prepare the Chicken:

Place chicken breasts on the baking sheet Drizzle some olive oil over them and use your hands to rub it across all sides This helps keep the chicken moist in the oven

Season the Chicken:

Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of each chicken breast Make sure each piece is seasoned well for flavor in every bite

Mix the Ricotta Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl add ricotta cheese grated Parmesan chopped fresh basil garlic powder onion powder dried oregano and red pepper flakes Stir everything together using a fork or spoon until you have a creamy uniform mixture

Top the Chicken with Ricotta:

Using a spoon or spatula spread a thick layer of the ricotta filling over each chicken breast Go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite

Add Breadcrumbs for Crunch:

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the ricotta-topped chicken breasts Pat very gently so the crumbs stick and create a crunchy topping in the oven

Bake the Chicken:

Slide the sheet into the hot oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping starts turning a lovely golden brown Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is at least 165 Fahrenheit or 75 Celsius

Warm the Marinara:

Place your marinara sauce in a small pan over low heat Stir it every few minutes until warm This keeps the sauce from splattering or burning while the chicken bakes

Add Sauce and Mozzarella:

Once the chicken is baked remove it briefly from the oven Spoon a few tablespoons of warm marinara sauce over each breast Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top

Melt the Cheese:

Return the chicken to the oven Bake for another five minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbling with a bit of golden color on top

Rest and Serve:

Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest three to five minutes before serving This keeps the juices in and the cheese from sliding off Serve with extra marinara if you love sauce

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I am always happiest piling extra fresh basil onto mine just before serving That bright herbal note makes each bite taste even fresher My dad once insisted on eating leftovers for breakfast and said it tasted even better the second time around

Storage Tips

Store any leftover baked ricotta chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat cover with foil and bake at 325 Fahrenheit until heated through or zap gently in the microwave Freezing is also an option Slice before freezing for easy single servings and reheat in the oven for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Light cottage cheese can take the place of ricotta for a lighter filling Spinach or fresh parsley work beautifully instead of basil Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch Swap in provolone or fontina if mozzarella is not your favorite For gluten free use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs

Serving Suggestions

Pair this chicken with a tangle of spaghetti or creamy polenta for cozy comfort I also love shredded zucchini or roasted green beans alongside For a lighter meal serve on a bed of arugula or with a tangy balsamic salad

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Cultural Inspiration

This recipe draws on Italian classic flavors but with a shortcut twist Baked chicken Parmigiana and Italian ricotta-stuffed dishes were favorites in my Nonna’s kitchen Though she would sometimes use veal chicken made it more weeknight friendly The combination of ricotta rich tomato sauce and melty mozzarella is a true taste of home

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different herbs in the ricotta filling?

Absolutely! Fresh parsley, thyme, or even spinach can be added to the ricotta mix for extra flavor and variety.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results.

→ What can I substitute for breadcrumbs on top?

For a low-carb option, use crushed almonds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

→ Is store-bought marinara sauce suitable?

Yes, store-bought marinara works well. You can also make your own for a more personalized touch.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken with the ricotta filling ahead, then bake it just before serving for maximum freshness.