Baked Ricotta Chicken
Looking for a delicious and easy chicken dish? Baked Ricotta Chicken is the perfect recipe for any occasion. With flavorful ingredients and a simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of ricotta and parmesan cheese creates a creamy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
- This dish can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- The marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese add a classic Italian touch to this dish.
Ingredient Notes:
- Large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Ricotta cheese adds creaminess to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for a rich flavor.
- Garlic, minced for a savory kick.
- Dried basil or fresh basil, minced for a hint of freshness.
- Italian seasoning for a classic Italian flavor.
- Marinara sauce for a tangy and sweet element.
- Mozzarella cheese, grated for gooey goodness.
- Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the chicken breasts.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, parmesan, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the mixture on each chicken breast and roll them up.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve with fresh basil, if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure to season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- For a crispier coating, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Sear the chicken breasts before baking to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Use fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Baked Ricotta Chicken with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a unique twist.
- How can I make this dish spicy?
- Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the ricotta mixture for a kick of heat.
Conclusion:
Try this Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the delicious results!
PrintBaked Ricotta Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and herbs, then baked to perfection in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. This Baked Ricotta Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix ricotta, parmesan, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff Chicken: Place a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of each chicken piece, then roll up and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken in the baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg