Baked Ricotta Chicken

Baked Ricotta Chicken has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly bridges the gap between weeknight simplicity and weekend indulgence. The first time I made it, I was honestly surprised by how something so easy to throw together could taste so incredibly delicious. The creamy ricotta, infused with garlic and herbs, melts into the chicken as it bakes, creating a moist and flavorful dish that my entire family devours. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, cleans his plate when Baked Ricotta Chicken is on the menu. It’s become our go-to comfort food, perfect for busy evenings or when we just crave a hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy meal. If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, look no further – this Baked Ricotta Chicken is a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients for Baked Ricotta Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Provides the lean protein base for the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese. Creates the creamy and rich sauce that coats the chicken.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a slight crust on top.
• Fresh Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Infuses the ricotta mixture with a pungent and aromatic flavor.
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped. Contributes a sweet, herbaceous, and slightly peppery note.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Offers a fresh, clean, and slightly grassy flavor.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Provides a warm, slightly bitter, and aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Used for drizzling over the chicken and baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
• Salt: To taste. Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste). For a touch of heat, optional but recommended for a flavor kick.

Instructions for Making Baked Ricotta Chicken

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough for even cooking and browning. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents the edges from drying out before the center is cooked through. Pounding also helps tenderize the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it removes excess moisture and allows for better browning and seasoning. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s essential for flavorful chicken. If you like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on each breast as well.
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, and dried oregano. Ensure the garlic is finely minced to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the ricotta mixture. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the herbs and garlic are evenly dispersed throughout the ricotta cheese. This ricotta mixture is the heart of the dish, providing creamy texture and delicious flavor.
4. Assemble the Baked Ricotta Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can steam the chicken instead of baking it properly. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring each breast is generously coated. Gently spread the ricotta mixture to cover the entire surface of each chicken breast. Don’t worry if some of the ricotta mixture falls into the dish around the chicken – it will create a delicious creamy sauce as it bakes. Drizzle the entire dish with the remaining olive oil. This adds moisture and helps the chicken and ricotta topping to brown beautifully in the oven. Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and ricotta. The lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds a touch of acidity that complements the richness of the ricotta and Parmesan.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If the ricotta topping starts to brown too quickly before the chicken is cooked through, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning. However, the goal is to get a nice golden brown color on the ricotta, so keep an eye on it.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta topping is golden brown, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Resting also makes it easier to slice and serve the chicken. Serve the Baked Ricotta Chicken immediately while it’s hot and the ricotta topping is still creamy and bubbly. Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley, if desired, for a pop of fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Ricotta Chicken

Serving Size: 1 Baked Ricotta Chicken Breast (approximately one quarter of the recipe)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 45-55 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams

Preparation Time for Baked Ricotta Chicken

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (Includes chopping herbs, mincing garlic, preparing ricotta mixture, and seasoning chicken)

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (Baking time in the oven)

Total Time: 40-50 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve)

This Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal as it comes together relatively quickly and requires minimal hands-on time. Most of the time is spent baking in the oven, allowing you to prepare side dishes or relax while dinner cooks.

How to Serve Baked Ricotta Chicken

Baked Ricotta Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes alongside the chicken. The oven is already on, making it efficient and easy. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and creates a delicious caramelized texture.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A quick and healthy side dish. Sauté fresh spinach or kale with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. These leafy greens provide essential vitamins and minerals and complement the richness of the chicken.
• Green Beans Almondine: Blanched or steamed green beans tossed with toasted almonds and browned butter. This adds a touch of elegance and crunch to the meal. The nutty flavor of the almonds and the richness of the browned butter pair wonderfully with the creamy chicken.
• Caprese Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze. The fresh, bright flavors of the Caprese salad cut through the richness of the chicken and ricotta, creating a balanced meal, especially during warmer months.

Grain and Starchy Sides:

• Pasta: Serve the Baked Ricotta Chicken over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine. Toss the pasta with a little of the creamy sauce from the baking dish for extra flavor. A simple pasta with olive oil and garlic or a light tomato sauce would also be excellent.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all great options for soaking up the delicious sauce from the Baked Ricotta Chicken. Consider adding herbs or lemon zest to the rice for extra flavor.
• Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Polenta: For a more comforting and indulgent meal, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. The smooth and creamy texture of these sides complements the richness of the ricotta chicken perfectly. Garlic mashed potatoes or Parmesan polenta would be particularly delicious.
• Crusty Bread: Always a welcome addition to any Italian-inspired meal. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy ricotta sauce and soaking up all the delicious flavors. Garlic bread or focaccia would be extra special.

Salads:

• Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Baked Ricotta Chicken. Use mixed greens, romaine lettuce, or arugula and add simple toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing is a hearty and flavorful salad that pairs well with chicken.

By choosing a combination of these side dishes, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal centered around the delicious Baked Ricotta Chicken.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Ricotta Chicken

1. Use High-Quality Ricotta: The quality of your ricotta cheese significantly impacts the flavor and texture of the dish. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest and richest results. Freshly made ricotta, if available, will elevate the dish even further. Avoid overly watery ricotta; if necessary, drain excess liquid by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for about 30 minutes.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Ensure the chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish, with some space between them. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in less browning and potentially longer cooking time. If necessary, use two baking dishes or bake in batches.
3. Pound Chicken for Even Cooking: As mentioned earlier, pounding thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch) is crucial for even cooking. This prevents the edges from drying out before the center is cooked through. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
4. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Season the chicken breasts generously before adding the ricotta mixture. Taste the ricotta mixture before spooning it over the chicken and adjust seasonings as needed. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients and creating a well-balanced dish.
5. Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs like basil and parsley truly elevate the flavor of this dish. Their vibrant aromas and flavors are much more pronounced and contribute significantly to the overall taste. If you must use dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute for the fresh amounts.
6. Add a Touch of Acidity: The lemon juice is essential for brightening the flavors and cutting through the richness of the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Don’t skip it! You can also add a splash of dry white wine to the ricotta mixture for extra depth of flavor, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a touch of sweetness and tang.
7. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate vegetables into the dish for added flavor and nutrition. Consider adding a layer of sautéed spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes under the ricotta mixture. Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms would also be delicious additions. These vegetables can be added directly to the baking dish before topping with the ricotta and chicken.
8. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): If you prefer a more deeply browned and slightly crispy ricotta topping, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning, as broiling can quickly brown or even burn the topping. Broiling is optional but can enhance the visual appeal and texture of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ricotta Chicken

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you must thaw them completely before baking. Thawing ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming dry or rubbery. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time. Ensure the chicken is patted dry after thawing to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

A: While ricotta cheese is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other creamy cheeses in a pinch. Cream cheese (softened), mascarpone cheese, or even a blend of cottage cheese (blended smooth) and cream cheese can work as alternatives. However, ricotta cheese provides a unique texture and slightly sweet flavor that is characteristic of this dish. The substitutions may slightly alter the final taste and texture.

Q3: Can I make Baked Ricotta Chicken ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the ricotta mixture and season the chicken breasts ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the dish and bake just before serving for the best results. Baking it fresh ensures the chicken is moist and the ricotta topping is creamy and bubbly. While you can technically bake it ahead and reheat, the texture may not be as optimal.

Q4: How do I store leftover Baked Ricotta Chicken?

A: Store leftover Baked Ricotta Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

Q5: How do I reheat Baked Ricotta Chicken?

A: Reheat leftover Baked Ricotta Chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the ricotta topping may become slightly less creamy. Adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the baking dish when reheating in the oven can help keep the chicken moist.

Q6: Is Baked Ricotta Chicken gluten-free?

A: Yes, Baked Ricotta Chicken is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients, especially Parmesan cheese, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you are strictly following a gluten-free diet.

Q7: Can I add different herbs or spices to the ricotta mixture?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the herb and spice blend to your liking. Thyme, rosemary, oregano, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of chili flakes can be added to the ricotta mixture for different flavor profiles. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to create your own signature Baked Ricotta Chicken.

Q8: Can I freeze Baked Ricotta Chicken?

A: Freezing Baked Ricotta Chicken is not highly recommended as the texture of the ricotta cheese can change upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy or watery. However, if you must freeze it, allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven. Be aware that the texture may be slightly altered after freezing and thawing. It’s generally best enjoyed fresh or reheated from refrigerated leftovers.

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