This creamy baked ricotta chicken is a cozy dish that’s all about flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are topped with smooth ricotta, herbs, and gooey cheese, bringing smiles to the table.
Trust me, the creamy texture combined with the chicken is simply irresistible. I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that yummy sauce! 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. You can substitute them with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, as they stay moist and tender.
Ricotta Cheese: This provides the creamy base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat ricotta works well. Cottage cheese can be used too, but blend it for a smoother texture.
Parmesan and Mozzarella: These cheeses bring depth and flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. For mozzarella, feel free to use provolone or fontina for variety.
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add nice flavor and color. You can swap fresh spinach for frozen, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water. As an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes, you could use roasted red peppers.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to avoid drying it out: heat your skillet enough to sear the chicken, sealing in the juices. Searing for about 3-4 minutes per side gives it a beautiful golden crust.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Adding chicken broth or wine while baking keeps the chicken juicy and adds extra flavor.
- Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain moisture before serving.
Creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for moisture)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 35 minutes. You’ll spend just a little time seasoning and preparing the chicken, then bake it until it’s golden brown and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your oven is nice and hot when it’s time to bake the chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper, making sure they’re well-coated on both sides.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This helps lock in the juices and adds flavor. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and if you’re using them, chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix it well until everything is nicely blended!
5. Spoon the Mixture:
Spoon the cheesy ricotta mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast in the skillet. Make sure it’s generously covered!
6. Add Moisture:
If you like, pour chicken broth or white wine around the chicken in the skillet. This helps to keep everything moist while it bakes.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, garnish your delicious creation with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy baked ricotta chicken warm, alongside your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Enjoy your delicious creamy baked ricotta chicken! 🍽️
FAQ for Creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Yes! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, you can also use chicken thighs. They will add extra moisture and flavor to the dish!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten up the dish, consider using low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding more spinach or other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken?
This dish pairs well with various sides! Serve it with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the ricotta mixture in advance. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
