Baked Ricotta Chicken
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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?

  1. The combination of ricotta and parmesan cheese creates a creamy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
  2. This dish can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
  3. 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:

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the chicken breasts.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, parmesan, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Spread the mixture on each chicken breast and roll them up.
  4. Place the chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
  6. 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:

  1. Sear the chicken breasts before baking to lock in moisture and flavor.
  2. 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.

Baked Ricotta Chicken

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:

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
  • Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  1. Can I freeze this dish?
  • Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
  1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a unique twist.
  1. 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!

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Baked Ricotta Chicken

Baked Ricotta Chicken

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • 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

Units Scale

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix ricotta, parmesan, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Stuff Chicken: Place a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of each chicken piece, then roll up and secure with toothpicks.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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