Hey there, friends!
Are you in the mood for a delicious dinner that’s a breeze to make? I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m sharing my baked ricotta chicken recipe.
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in.
Let’s dive into this tasty meal!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded (divided use)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated (divided use)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 garlic cloves minced (divided use)
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- Salt & cracked black pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, then set aside.
In another bowl, combine 16 ounces of ricotta cheese, half of the minced garlic (2 cloves), and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or 1 tablespoon of Good Seasons Italian dressing mix).
Mix until well combined.
Add 1 cup of chopped fresh baby spinach to the ricotta mixture and mix well.
Stir in half of the cheese mixture into the ricotta mixture until evenly combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish and trim any excess fat if desired.
Step 3: Season and Layer
Spread the remaining minced garlic (2 cloves) over the chicken breasts.
Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
Evenly spread the ricotta and spinach mixture over the chicken breasts.
Cover the chicken and ricotta mixture completely with marinara sauce.
Step 4: Initial Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (70°C).
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture on top of the chicken.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy baked chicken!
