Baked Ricotta Chicken

Name: Baked Ricotta Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Posted on May 30, 2025

Baked Ricotta Chicken topped with creamy cheese and herbs in a white baking dish

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, this Baked Ricotta Chicken is your new go-to! Creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful herbs, and juicy chicken breasts come together in one simple dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed dinner with friends. This baked chicken is tender, cheesy, and full of rich Italian-inspired flavor—and the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to make it happen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Ricotta Chicken checks all the boxes—easy, tasty, and family-friendly. The creamy ricotta mixture keeps the chicken moist and flavorful while adding a light, cheesy richness to every bite. You don’t need to be a chef to pull this off—just mix, top, and bake! It’s a great low-carb option, and it pairs perfectly with roasted veggies, pasta, or a fresh salad. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free. Whether you’re meal prepping or making dinner on the fly, this recipe is a delicious and dependable win.

Ingredients

This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The creamy ricotta mixture gets a flavor boost from garlic, herbs, and parmesan—no complicated steps required! Here’s what you’ll need:

You’ll Need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Making Baked Ricotta Chicken is as easy as mix, top, and bake! Here’s how to bring this creamy, cozy dish to life:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in the baking dish, and drizzle with olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Mix the ricotta topping: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Top the chicken: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner for the family or a meal prep favorite you’ll look forward to all week. It’s quick to prep, and the oven does all the hard work!

Servings: Makes 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Serve it alongside pasta, sautéed spinach, or a simple side salad for a full, satisfying meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve guests!

Tips and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few tasty ways to switch things up or adapt based on what you have in the kitchen:

Add spinach: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for added nutrients and color.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ricotta for a little heat.
Swap the cheese: No Parmesan? Try grated mozzarella or pecorino romano instead.
Go herby: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the ricotta mix for extra flavor.
Make it saucy: Spoon a bit of marinara or pesto over the chicken before or after baking for an Italian twist.
Low-carb lovers: Pair with zoodles or roasted veggies for a keto-friendly meal.

Storage

Got leftovers? This Baked Ricotta Chicken stores beautifully and makes a delicious next-day meal.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts individually. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—they may cook a bit faster.

2. Can I use low-fat ricotta?
Absolutely. It will be a little less creamy but still delicious. Whole milk ricotta gives the richest flavor, though.

3. How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—when it hits 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, it’s ready.

4. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What sides go well with this dish?
Try garlic green beans, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.

6. Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Definitely! A sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch—just add them before baking.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written. Just double-check your cheese and spices to be sure they’re gluten-free.

Conclusion

There you have it—Baked Ricotta Chicken that’s creamy, comforting, and almost too easy to make! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a no-fuss dinner that feels a little special, this recipe delivers every time. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat.