Name: Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1¾ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts); 2-3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (use 3 if large cloves); 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 24 oz marinara sauce; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Introduction

This Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy ricotta and savory marinara sauce. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special without a lot of effort.

The image shows four pieces of cooked chicken breast in a black pan with an orange handle, each piece topped with a thick layer of creamy white sauce speckled with green herbs. The chicken sits in a rich, chunky red tomato sauce that fills the bottom of the pan and surrounds the chicken pieces. Small pieces of green parsley are sprinkled on the sauce and on top of the creamy sauce, adding a fresh touch of color. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and black striped cloth slightly visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1¾ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 breasts)
Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
3-4 garlic cloves, minced (use 3 for large cloves)
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
24 oz marinara sauce
Optional: parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add 2-3 teaspoons of oil. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until just golden brown.
Step 2: While the chicken sears, mix the ricotta cheese with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and place the pan on a heat-safe surface. Pour the marinara sauce around the bottom of the pan, then spoon about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture on top of each chicken breast.
Step 3: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the ricotta is bubbling and slightly browned on top and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Serve the chicken warm, either topped with the sauce or with the sauce spooned underneath. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat ricotta for a creamier texture, or part-skim if you prefer a lighter option.
Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or basil to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and color.
For a dairy-free variation, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese or omit it and increase the marinara sauce.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and transfer it to a baking dish before adding sauce and ricotta.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a black skillet with a red handle filled with four chicken breasts. Each chicken breast has two main layers: the bottom layer is cooked golden-brown chicken, partially covered by a bright red chunky tomato sauce that fills the skillet base, and the top layer is a thick, white creamy sauce with a slightly grainy texture and herbs mixed in. Fresh green chopped parsley is sprinkled over the chicken and sauce, adding a fresh color contrast. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe and tend to stay juicier. Adjust baking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach 165°F.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

Searing adds flavor and a nice golden crust, but you can skip this step if short on time. Just bake the chicken with sauce and ricotta for a longer period until fully cooked.