Baked Ricotta Chicken
Introduction
When you need a weeknight meal that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, Baked Ricotta Chicken is your answer. Combining juicy chicken with a creamy ricotta topping, this dish is a masterclass in contrasting textures and rich, savory flavors.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering the ease of a one-pan meal with a finish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy. Its impressive presentation belies just how simple it is to make!
Why Baked Ricotta Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite
The secret to this dish’s success lies in the marriage of tender baked chicken and fluffy, herb-flecked ricotta. As the chicken bakes, the ricotta mixture forms a golden, savory crust that locks in moisture and brings irresistible flavor to the table. Serve it straight from the oven for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
The Ricotta Topping: Extra Creamy, Perfectly Seasoned
The right ricotta topping starts with whole-milk ricotta cheese, seasoned generously with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a touch of Parmesan for savory depth. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly can be done in seconds with the help of the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black, achieving perfectly blended, creamy results.
For a boost of flavor, don’t skimp on the garlic and black pepper — they cut the richness and bring brightness to every bite. If you have extra herbs, add chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Prepping Chicken Like a Pro
Even thickness is key to ensuring your chicken bakes evenly and remains juicy. Place the chicken breasts on your Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 and lightly pound to an even thickness (about ¾ inch). Trim any excess fat for the best presentation.
Once prepped, arrange your chicken on a sheet lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for easy cleanup and perfect browning.
Bake or Air Fry? Make It Your Way
Traditional oven-baking brings classic crispness, but for a quick weeknight twist, try using a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey. Both methods lock in moisture and ensure a beautifully golden ricotta topping. The air fryer also cuts down on cook time, delivering dinner to your table even faster.
Serving Suggestions for an Elegant Meal
Pair your Baked Ricotta Chicken with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. For easy transport (think meal prep or a picnic), pack servings into the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving highlights the creamy and savory notes.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each portion (using skinless chicken breasts and low-fat ricotta) contains about 320 calories, 38g protein, 14g fat, and 3g carbohydrates. It’s a smart, high-protein choice perfect for a balanced diet.
Baked Ricotta Chicken (Recap)
With juicy chicken, a golden ricotta crust, and a breeze of herby flavor, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a meal worthy of your favorite Italian café. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews from all at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
- Pat chicken dry. Using a Bamboo Cutting Board, pound the chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch) for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, basil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. For ultra-smooth results, process in your Ninja BL610 Professional Blender.
- Place chicken on prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and season if desired.
- Spoon ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, spreading to cover. If using an air fryer, place chicken in your COSORI Air Fryer basket lined with parchment.
- Bake in oven for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and ricotta is golden (internal temp should reach 165°F; check using a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer). In the air fryer, cook at 380°F for 14–17 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with extra herbs and serving warm.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (oven) or 17 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Enjoy Baked Ricotta Chicken as your next go-to meal for flavor, ease, and elegance—all in one dish!