Description
This Baked Ricotta Chicken is the perfect quick dinner idea when you want something cozy, flavorful, and low-effort. With tender chicken breasts layered in a creamy ricotta mixture, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish tastes like a shortcut to lasagna without the pasta. Great for weeknights, easy dinner parties, or healthy meal prep, it’s gluten-free, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for easy recipes or new food ideas that are hearty and impressive—this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 and 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, garlic powder, 1/4 cup parmesan, salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning.
4. Spread ricotta mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast.
5. Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining parmesan over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese is golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.
Full-fat ricotta yields the richest texture and flavor.
You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free dinner, healthy comfort food