Description
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts topped with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and baked in a spicy marinara sauce. This easy one-dish meal combines creamy cheeses, zesty garlic, and a hint of Italian seasoning to create a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinara
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce (spicy Arrabiata preferred)
Cheese Mixture
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided use)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (divided use)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (divided use)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses. In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the cheese mixture, chopped spinach, half of the minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until fully combined.
- Prepare baking dish and chicken: Lightly oil a 13×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish. Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and the remaining minced garlic.
- Assemble the dish: Evenly spread the ricotta and spinach cheese mixture over the top of the chicken breasts. Then cover completely with the marinara sauce, distributing it evenly over the chicken and cheese layer.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add remaining cheese and finish baking: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese mixture over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Take the dish out of the oven and allow the baked ricotta chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover baked ricotta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cover the unbaked assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Doneness check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked through at 160°F internal temperature, followed by a resting period of 5 to 10 minutes.
- Preparation tip: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before assembling to help the cheese mixture adhere better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
