Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

You sure can! Cottage cheese works if you're watching calories, or go fancy with mascarpone for an extra-rich version.

How can I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 30-second bursts.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the chicken with ricotta topping in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs right before baking.

Baked Ricotta Chicken - Chicken magic recipes

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, this Baked Ricotta Chicken is the perfect quick and easy dinner. Topped with herbed ricotta, crispy breadcrumbs, marinara, and melty mozzarella, it’s a family favorite you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup marinara sauce
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Place chicken breasts on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the ricotta-topped chicken.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and topping is golden.
Meanwhile, warm marinara sauce over low heat in a saucepan.
Once baked, spoon marinara over each chicken breast and top with shredded mozzarella.
Return to oven for 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with extra marinara if desired!

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if you prefer dark meat—adjust cooking time accordingly.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Great served with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Make ahead tip: Assemble up to step 5, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Category: Main course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 435 Kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 690 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 42 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg