Description
This Baked Ricotta Chicken is a comfort food dream—juicy chicken breasts layered with herby ricotta, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, it’s a one-dish dinner that delivers bold flavor and creamy, cheesy satisfaction.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (plus more for garnish)
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place chicken breasts in the dish and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until creamy and smooth.
4. Spoon and spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
5. Pour marinara sauce around and slightly over the chicken, making sure not to fully cover the ricotta layer.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each breast. Add extra Parmesan or basil if desired.
7. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
For extra creaminess, use whole milk ricotta and freshly grated mozzarella.
Don’t skip the egg—it helps the ricotta layer hold its shape during baking.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; 165°F is your target.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, cheesy chicken dinner