This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with creamy ricotta cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner!
The best part? You just mix the ricotta with some herbs, spread it on the chicken, and let the oven do all the work. Easy-peasy! I enjoy pairing it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a lovely texture. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can work in a pinch. Just blend it for a smoother consistency!
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken for ease of preparation. If you’re looking for a change, chicken thighs would be juicier and flavorful. Just cook longer to ensure they reach a safe temperature.
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan gives a nice flavor, feel free to use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as substitutes. Both add a unique twist!
Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley brighten the dish. Dried herbs can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated—use about a third of the amount!
Marinara Sauce: This is optional, but it adds flavor. For a lighter option, try using a homemade tomato sauce or even a drizzle of pesto!
How Do You Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken breasts can seem tricky, but it’s simple if you follow these tips. The key is to make just enough room for the filling without cutting all the way through.
- Use a sharp knife to create a pocket. Insert it into the thick part of the chicken breast.
- Be gentle! You want enough space for the ricotta, so make sure the edge remains intact.
- Spoon in the ricotta mixture carefully, using your fingers to help if needed. Don’t overstuff, or it may spill out during cooking!
With practice, it becomes easy and you’ll have a delicious stuffed chicken every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, with a total of around 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for the chicken.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh basil, parsley (if using), lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a shallow pocket in each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to keep the chicken breast intact!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Spoon the ricotta mixture into each chicken pocket, spreading it evenly inside. Make sure not to overstuff, so the mixture doesn’t spill out while baking.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. (Optional) Add Marinara Sauce:
If you like, during the last 5 minutes of baking, you can spoon some marinara sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. Pop it back in the oven to heat the sauce through.
7. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in the chicken!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to eat! Serve your delicious baked ricotta chicken with a side of vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain. Enjoy every bit of this creamy, tasty dish!
FAQ for Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While ricotta is ideal for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even mascarpone for a richer flavor. Just make sure to blend the cottage cheese for a smoother consistency!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can use dried herbs instead. Just use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove. You can also add a splash of marinara sauce or a bit of cream to keep it moist as it warms.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the baked ricotta chicken! Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
