Baked Ricotta Chicken

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This Baked Ricotta Chicken is my go-to dish when I want something cozy, satisfying, and packed with Italian-inspired flavor—but without the hours spent in the kitchen. It’s tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy ricotta cheese, layered with marinara sauce, and topped off with a golden, bubbly layer of melted mozzarella. Every bite gives you that melty, savory comfort that feels like a big warm hug.

What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need to bread or fry anything—just layer, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without much fuss. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Ricotta Chicken

This recipe is weeknight-friendly but elegant enough for company. You get that indulgent lasagna flavor without boiling noodles or building layers. The ricotta mixture adds a creamy richness, while the marinara gives it tang and depth. It’s also naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they bake evenly and absorb flavor beautifully. If you’re using large chicken breasts, you might want to butterfly them or pound them slightly to ensure even cooking. You can also swap in boneless thighs for a juicier option.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you want a lighter option. Add parmesan to the mix for extra richness.
• Sauce: Store-bought marinara works great, but if you have homemade on hand, even better.
• Protein: You can substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or even roasted eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Add-ins: Try layering sautéed spinach or mushrooms beneath the ricotta for more texture and nutrients.

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Ingredients for This Baked Ricotta Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the heart of the dish, offering a lean and tender base that soaks up flavor.
• Ricotta cheese – Creamy and mild, ricotta brings a luscious texture and richness to every bite.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top, creating that golden, bubbly crust everyone loves.
• Grated parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty depth and enhances the overall cheesy flavor.
• Egg – Mixed into the ricotta to help bind and give structure to the cheese layer.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the dish a savory, aromatic profile.
• Garlic powder – Adds that classic garlic warmth without needing to mince fresh cloves.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Marinara sauce – Brings acidity and moisture, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
• Fresh basil (optional) – For a burst of freshness and color to garnish before serving.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

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Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, a handful of grated parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.

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Step 3: Spread the Ricotta

Evenly spoon the ricotta mixture over the top of each chicken breast, gently smoothing it out to cover.

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Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over and around the ricotta-covered chicken, making sure the bottom of the dish is well coated to keep everything moist during baking.

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Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a little extra parmesan over each piece of chicken. This will form that irresistible bubbly top.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Baked Ricotta Chicken

Prep Time: Preparing this dish takes about 15–20 minutes. That includes seasoning the chicken, mixing the ricotta blend, and assembling the layers. It’s simple and efficient, especially if you’re using store-bought marinara.

Cook Time: The chicken bakes for 30–35 minutes at 400°F, which gives you enough time to set the table or make a quick side dish. Always check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safe serving.

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Tips for Perfect Baked Ricotta Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Perfectly cooked chicken should be juicy, not dry.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving—it helps the cheese settle.
• Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
• For added flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before baking.
• Don’t skimp on seasoning—each layer should be flavorful.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too thick chicken breasts: They might not cook through evenly. Slice or pound them to even thickness.
• Overloading on sauce: Too much marinara can make the dish watery.
• Skipping the egg in ricotta: It helps bind the cheese so it doesn’t run everywhere when serving.
• Not covering enough with cheese: You want that full, melty layer on top.
• Pulling it from the oven too early: Always check for doneness to avoid undercooked chicken.

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What to Serve With Baked Ricotta Chicken?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all that saucy goodness.

2. Steamed Green Beans

Their lightness and crisp texture balance the richness of the dish.

3. Caesar Salad

A tangy, crisp Caesar is a refreshing counter to the creamy ricotta.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring color and earthy flavor to the table.

5. Buttered Noodles

Simple and comforting, they soak up the extra sauce beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as tasty reheated.

Freezing: You can freeze the fully baked dish for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to avoid drying out, for about 20–25 minutes. Or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~390 per serving
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F in the thickest part of the chicken means it’s done.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Make sure it’s fully thawed before baking to ensure even cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your marinara sauce is gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly. Just make sure all chicken pieces are in a single layer.

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Conclusion

Baked Ricotta Chicken is one of those meals that feels like home. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of bold flavors, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish delivers every time. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize, reheat, or prep ahead—making it one of my all-time kitchen staples.

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