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Creamy Chicken Ricotta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

This Chicken Ricotta recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta and garlic mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that combines Italian-inspired seasonings with simple, wholesome ingredients for a delightful dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 28 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ricotta Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Sauce and Toppings

  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust.
  3. Mix Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Assemble Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to an oven-safe baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly on top of each piece of chicken. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and ricotta, covering them thoroughly.
  5. Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After this, remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Ricotta dish.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety.
  • For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
  • You can use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reduce calories, substitute part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Keywords: Chicken Ricotta, baked chicken, creamy ricotta chicken, Italian chicken recipe, chicken with marinara and mozzarella

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/creamy-chicken-ricotta-bake-recipe/