Baked Ricotta Chicken

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Golden, cheesy, and bubbling with rich flavor, this Baked Ricotta Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a creamy ricotta mixture, seasoned just right, and finished with a bubbly, golden layer of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s hearty, comforting, and undeniably delicious.

What makes this recipe stand out is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. With minimal ingredients and hands-off baking time, it’s perfect for busy nights when you still crave something home-cooked and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with a fresh green salad or a buttery side of pasta, this Baked Ricotta Chicken is a foolproof dinner win.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ricotta Chicken

• It’s quick to prep with just a few ingredients.
• The ricotta layer adds creamy, savory depth.
• Perfect for low-carb or gluten-free lifestyles.
• Feels indulgent while being high in protein.
• Family-friendly and great for leftovers.

What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use?

Whole milk ricotta cheese is the best option here for richness and texture. Avoid ricotta that’s too watery; you want one that holds its shape well. If your ricotta is on the wetter side, drain it slightly through a cheesecloth or paper towel before mixing.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for easy baking and slicing.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, rich base layer.
• Mozzarella cheese: For melt factor and that golden brown bubbly finish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and nuttiness to the top layer.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor without needing fresh garlic.
• Dried basil and oregano: Bring Italian herb flavor to the ricotta mix.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
• Olive oil: Lightly coats the dish and keeps chicken juicy.
• Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of color.

How To Make the Baked Ricotta Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Lay chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spoon the ricotta mixture generously over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Top each portion with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Perfect for a Crowd or Cozy Dinner

This recipe yields 4 baked chicken breasts and can comfortably feed 4 people. Pair it with a side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

How to Store Baked Ricotta Chicken

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Adjust bake time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for ricotta?
Try a plant-based ricotta alternative or a cashew-based cheese spread. Note: taste and texture will vary.

What sides go best with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, buttered noodles, a crisp Caesar salad, or even mashed potatoes.

Can I add spinach or veggies to the ricotta layer?
Definitely. Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or even artichokes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this cheesy baked dish, don’t miss these other Life With Livia favorites:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake for a cozy, umami-packed dinner.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta if you’re craving a creamy, carb-filled comfort.
• Chicken Florentine with dreamy spinach and a creamy sauce.
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo for a rich and vibrant one-pot meal.
• Cream Cheese Chicken when you’re craving rich, velvety chicken in minutes.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add spinach or try it with thighs? Did you serve it over pasta or keep it low-carb?

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