Description
This Ricotta Chicken is the ultimate comfort food dinner with juicy baked chicken breasts, creamy ricotta cheese, rich marinara sauce, and a golden layer of melted mozzarella. It’s an easy dinner recipe that feels cozy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying while still being simple enough for busy weeknights. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, family meal inspiration, comfort food recipes, or easy baked chicken recipes, this cheesy Italian-inspired dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for meal prep, easy family dinners, or comforting weekend food ideas.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic minced
1 large egg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, and red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the dish and spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over each piece.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce around and partially over the chicken.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the top along with extra Parmesan if desired.
8. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end if you want a more golden and bubbly cheese topping.
10. Remove from the oven and let the Ricotta Chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
11. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm with pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
Allow the chicken to rest after baking so the juices stay inside and the filling sets properly.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly and creates a better golden topping than pre-shredded cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: ricotta chicken, baked chicken recipe, cheesy chicken dinner, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, chicken bake, Italian chicken recipe, family dinner ideas