Description
Skip the boring chicken dinner routine! This Easy Ricotta Chicken Bake transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that takes just minutes to prep. Your family will think you spent all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs or 900g)
- 1½ cups (375g) ricotta cheese, full-fat
- 1 cup (250ml) marinara sauce or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half the Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce around the chicken breasts (not directly on top).
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is golden.
- Optional: broil for the final 2 minutes to brown the cheese further.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.