Baked Ricotta Chicken

This Baked Ricotta Chicken is a perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful ricotta filling. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s comfort food at its finest, served straight from the oven to your plate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish will impress everyone at the table.

With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a hearty, cheesy meal. The ricotta and Parmesan filling elevates the chicken, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy richness that ties everything together. Serve with a side of pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Full Recipe:

4 chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup marinara sauce

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butterfly the chicken breasts, cutting through the middle to create a pocket.

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the chicken breasts with the ricotta mixture, then secure with toothpicks.
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side.

Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love Baked Ricotta Chicken

Baked Ricotta Chicken is a unique twist on traditional stuffed chicken recipes. What makes this dish stand out is the use of ricotta cheese, which is not only creamy and smooth but also provides a mild and subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. The ricotta is blended with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, creating a flavorful filling that brings a gourmet touch to an otherwise simple dish.

In addition to the richness of the ricotta, the chicken breasts are baked in a warm bed of marinara sauce, adding a burst of tangy sweetness to every bite. The mozzarella cheese that melts on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that seals in the flavors, giving you a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and well-rounded meal that can be enjoyed with a variety of sides, making it an incredibly versatile option for any dinner table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Baked Ricotta Chicken is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a dinner party, this dish fits the bill. It’s simple to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and can be made in a relatively short amount of time, yet it feels special enough for any occasion.

The baked ricotta chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with roasted vegetables, a side of pasta, or a crisp green salad. It’s the kind of dish that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to more elegant affairs. The combination of flavors is universal and loved by both adults and kids, making it a crowd-pleaser for any age group.

Health Benefits of Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese, a staple in Italian cuisine, is not just delicious but also offers several health benefits. It is made from whey, which is the liquid left after milk has been curdled and strained, making it lighter and less fatty than some other cheeses. Ricotta is an excellent source of protein, providing essential amino acids that are needed for muscle repair and growth.

In addition to protein, ricotta cheese contains several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contains B vitamins, which play a crucial role in maintaining energy levels and overall health. When included as part of a balanced diet, ricotta cheese can be a nutritious addition to many recipes, such as this Baked Ricotta Chicken.

How to Customize the Recipe

While the Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe is delicious as is, one of the great things about it is its adaptability. You can easily tweak the filling to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you want to add more vegetables to the dish, consider mixing in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the ricotta mixture. These vegetables will add more flavor and nutrients without compromising the texture.

If you’re looking for a lower-fat version of this dish, you can substitute the ricotta cheese for a lighter alternative, such as cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt. The Parmesan can also be replaced with a lower-fat cheese, and the mozzarella can be swapped out for a reduced-fat version. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of Baked Ricotta Chicken while still maintaining a healthy balance.

For those following a gluten-free diet, rest assured that this dish can easily be made gluten-free by simply ensuring that the marinara sauce is gluten-free and avoiding breadcrumbs in any potential topping.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Baked Ricotta Chicken pairs wonderfully with a wide range of sides, allowing you to create a well-rounded meal. For a classic Italian meal, you could serve it with a side of garlic bread and a mixed green salad. The garlic bread complements the savory sauce and cheese, while the salad adds a fresh, crisp contrast.

If you’re looking for something lighter, consider pairing the chicken with a quinoa salad or steamed vegetables. Roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower are also excellent options to balance out the richness of the dish. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it alongside a bowl of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a true Italian feast.

The Role of Marinara Sauce in the Recipe

Marinara sauce plays a crucial role in the Baked Ricotta Chicken. It not only provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella but also infuses the chicken with additional flavor as it bakes. The tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in the sauce meld with the cheese to create a luscious, flavorful base that enhances every bite of chicken.

Choosing the right marinara sauce can make a big difference in the final flavor of the dish. For the best results, opt for a high-quality, flavorful marinara sauce. You can use store-bought varieties for convenience or make your own from scratch if you have the time. Homemade marinara sauce can add a depth of flavor that store-bought sauces sometimes lack, giving you even more control over the seasoning.

Why Baked Ricotta Chicken is Ideal for Busy Weeknights

Baked Ricotta Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a wholesome and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish requires minimal prep time, and once the chicken is stuffed and seared, it bakes in the oven for 20-25 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to prepare any sides or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.

Moreover, the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available in most grocery stores, and the cooking process is simple, making it accessible for even beginner cooks. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a family, Baked Ricotta Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.

Conclusion

Baked Ricotta Chicken is a dish that combines ease of preparation with gourmet flavors, making it an ideal choice for any home cook. The creamy ricotta filling paired with the savory chicken and tangy marinara sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for your family, or just enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its versatility, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or pair it with different sides to create a meal that everyone will love. The combination of rich flavors, simple ingredients, and ease of preparation makes Baked Ricotta Chicken a go-to recipe for many. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for something comforting and delicious!