Baked Ricotta Chicken

Introduction

Baked Ricotta Chicken is an ideal dish for anyone seeking a comforting, protein-rich dinner that feels gourmet with minimal effort. This recipe delivers juicy chicken breasts blanketed in a creamy, herbed ricotta mixture and baked until golden perfection. The result: a dish with a delightful contrast between succulent chicken and a cheesy, slightly tangy topping, making it a fantastic meal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Why Baked Ricotta Chicken Is Irresistible

The magic of Baked Ricotta Chicken lies in its simplicity and versatility. The ricotta mixture locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken remains tender while absorbing the flavors of Italian herbs, garlic, and parmesan. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners because it comes together quickly, but it looks and tastes impressive enough for hosting. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, salads, or simple roasted vegetables to round out your meal.

Preparing Your Ingredients with Precision

For a recipe with this much creamy texture and flavor, ingredient prep is key. Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking. If you need to quickly chop fresh herbs or dice vegetables for a side salad, a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save time and deliver perfectly even cuts.

To slice your chicken breasts neatly for stuffing or even out thicker sections, use a sturdy bamboo board like the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for safety and easy cleanup.

Method: Assembling and Baking for Maximum Flavor

Begin by mixing whole-milk ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning until smooth. For accurate measurements, especially for cheese, try a digital kitchen scale such as the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display for consistency and portion control.

Layer this mixture generously over seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly, and check that the chicken is perfectly cooked by using a reliable thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Plate

Let your chicken rest a few minutes before plating. Serve with a crisp green salad—easily prepped and packed in something like the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl if you’re bringing lunch to work. For entertaining, dress up your serving table with a sleek disposable cloth for fuss-free hosting and easy cleanup.

Pair Baked Ricotta Chicken with garlic bread, fresh pasta, or a simple roasted veggie medley for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4, offering a generous portion of protein and a rich yet relatively light cheesy topping. Each serving typically contains around 350–400 calories, depending on the portion of ricotta and Parmesan used. It’s a balanced dish that can be made lower in carbs when served alongside greens.

Baked Ricotta Chicken (Recap)

This recipe is the ultimate blend of flavor, tenderness, and ease, making it a staple for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Creamy ricotta, fragrant herbs, and juicy chicken transform dinner into a deliciously satisfying experience.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for a mess-free bake.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season each side with salt, pepper, and paprika. Arrange in prepared baking dish.
3. Combine ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, basil, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix until smooth and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Measure cheese accurately (and easily) with the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display for best results.
4. Spoon the ricotta mixture over each chicken breast, spreading evenly across the tops.
5. Drizzle with olive oil, then bake 22–25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is golden. Verify doneness (internal temp of 165°F) using the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.
6. Let rest a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if you like.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes