Cheesy Ricotta Chicken Bake
A comforting and delicious chicken bake with ricotta and mozzarella.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the chicken.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup jarred marinara sauce
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 1 ¾ to 2 pounds, trimmed and pounded
- 1.25 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2.5 cup whole milk mozzarella cheese divided: ½ cup mixed with ricotta cheese and 2 cups for topping
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ¾ cup of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside the remaining ¾ cup for later.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, spreading it over the top of each piece.
- Spoon the remaining ¾ cup of marinara sauce over the cheese-covered chicken, gently spreading it without mixing it into the cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°-165°F (70°-74°C). For a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the cheese mixture. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.