Description
This Chicken Ricotta recipe features tender seared chicken breasts topped with a creamy homemade ricotta mixture and savory marinara sauce, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. The Italian-seasoned ricotta adds a rich, flavorful layer that complements the juicy chicken. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 28 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce and Topping
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
- Mix ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir until the ingredients are well blended to create a fragrant and creamy ricotta topping.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to an oven-safe baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. Pour 24 ounces of marinara sauce over the ricotta-covered chicken, covering it generously for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Bake chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Add mozzarella and finish baking: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and starts to bubble.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, enjoying the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella complementing the savory chicken and marinara sauce.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve a nice golden crust.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lower-fat option, use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella.
- Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Ricotta, baked chicken, Italian chicken recipe, ricotta cheese chicken, easy chicken dinner, mozzarella chicken, comfort food
