Ingredients for Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of this Dreamy Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken, providing a lean and tender foundation. Pounding them evenly ensures quick, uniform cooking.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: This essential ingredient creates the dreamy, creamy texture in the chicken’s filling. Always use whole milk for richness and flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, flavorful tomato sauce base that coats the chicken beautifully. Choose good quality Italian canned tomatoes for best results.
• Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation for sautéing aromatics and adds a wonderful Mediterranean flavor. Use a good quality cold-pressed oil for superior taste.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of savory flavor. Opt for low-sodium to control overall saltiness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, creating a gooey, irresistible layer for this Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken. Freshly shredding from a block is always superior.
• Yellow onion: Sautéed to sweet perfection, providing an aromatic base that builds the sauce’s complexity. Dice it finely for seamless integration.
• Garlic cloves: Indispensable for imparting a pungent, savory aroma and classic Italian flavor to the sauce. Don’t let it burn!
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds a vibrant, peppery, and sweet herbaceous note, elevating the freshness of the tomato sauce. Tear, don’t chop, for best flavor.
• Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that provides earthy, slightly bitter notes, complementing the tomato and chicken beautifully. Rub between palms to awaken.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth to the ricotta mixture and a nice nutty finish. Grate fresh for superior flavor and texture.
• Kosher salt: An essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors and balances the dish. Adjust to taste, remembering other salty ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and aromatic kick, rounding out the seasoning profile. Grind fresh for maximum impact.
• Granulated sugar: A small pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making the sauce smoother and more palatable. Don’t overdo it.
• Fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh, clean flavor. Sprinkle generously just before serving.

How to Make Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken

Sauté Aromatics:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pot over medium heat. Sauté diced yellow onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Make Ricotta:

In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup fresh basil, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. This creamy mixture will be layered into your Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken.

Simmer Sauce:

To the skillet with aromatics, add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, dried oregano, and granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the rich flavors to meld beautifully.

Assemble Layers:

Pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in your baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts, then dollop generously with the ricotta mixture. Top with remaining sauce.

Bake Chicken:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled dish. Bake your Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest briefly.

Garnish Serve:

Remove the Dreamy Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken from the oven. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will adore.

How to Store Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken

To store leftover Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days. I learned the hard way that leaving it out too long compromises fresh flavor and food safety. Discard if you notice any off smells or mold.

For make-ahead, prepare the sauce and ricotta mixture up to 2 days prior. Store them separately, covered, in the refrigerator. Assemble the chicken dish just before baking for the best results.

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. A splash of chicken broth helps keep the sauce moist.

What to Serve with Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken

Serve your Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken warm, directly from the oven, for maximum comfort. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for a vibrant touch, making it perfect for guests. This dish truly shines when paired with a simple green salad or warm crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Enjoy this satisfying, family-friendly meal.

I personally love to serve this over al dente spaghetti. The pasta perfectly soaks up the rich tomato and ricotta sauce, making it an even more hearty and complete meal. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent dry chicken when making Dreamy Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken?

To prevent dry chicken, always bake until it reaches 165°F internal temperature. Overcooking is the main culprit for tough, dry chicken, a mistake I often made early on. Use a meat thermometer and let the chicken rest briefly after baking for juicy results.

→ Can I substitute other cheeses for ricotta or mozzarella in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses, but stick to similar types for the best outcome. I’ve tried various blends; a mix of provolone and fontina could work for mozzarella. For ricotta, a mix of cottage cheese and cream cheese might mimic the texture, but it won’t be exactly the same.

→ How do I prep components of this Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken ahead of time?

You can definitely prep parts of the Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken ahead of time. Prepare the tomato sauce and the ricotta mixture up to two days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then assemble just before baking for freshness.

→ How long can I store leftover Dreamy Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken in the refrigerator?

Leftover Dreamy Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken stores well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

→ Can I easily adapt this baked ricotta chicken recipe to be gluten-free?

Yes, this Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. All the ingredients listed, including the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes, are typically gluten-free. Just ensure any broth or packaged ingredients you use are certified gluten-free if you have a severe sensitivity.