This Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken is a simple and tasty dish! Tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy ricotta and topped with marinara sauce make it a total crowd-pleaser.
Pair it with pasta or a fresh salad for a delicious meal! I love how quickly it comes together, and it feels fancy without all the fuss. Who doesn’t enjoy easy comfort food? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: For creamy texture, ricotta is key! If you prefer a lighter option, cottage cheese can be used, but it will change the flavor slightly. You could also try mascarpone if you want something richer.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or even turkey breasts if you want something different.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred marinara works well, but homemade sauce can bring extra freshness! If you want to lower the carbs, opt for a chunky tomato sauce or pesto for a twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute, or try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option without losing flavor.
How Do I Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but with a few tips, it’s easy! Make sure to carefully cut a pocket—don’t slice all the way through to keep the filling inside.
- Use a small knife for better control when cutting the pocket.
- Don’t overfill! About 1/4 of the ricotta mixture per breast is perfect.
- Seal the opening with toothpicks if you’re worried about the filling leaking during cooking.
With these tips in mind, your stuffed chicken will turn out perfectly! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option. You’ll spend a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly later on.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Be gentle so you don’t cut all the way through. This pocket will hold your tasty ricotta filling!
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Stuff each chicken breast pocket with about one quarter of the ricotta mixture. Use a spoon to make sure it’s nicely packed in there!
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a lovely flavor!
6. Transfer to Bake:
Once seared, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. It’s okay if they are snug; they’ll be baking together!
7. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Spoon marinara sauce over each stuffed chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered. This adds moisture and flavor while cooking!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), so feel free to check with a meat thermometer.
9. Rest before Serving:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This makes it juicier when you cut into it!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy your delicious Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but be sure to completely thaw them before cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken breasts overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before stuffing!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on low power for a quick option!
Can I Substitute the Ricotta Cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese for a lighter option, or even cream cheese for a richer filling. Just blend it well for the right consistency to stuff the chicken.
