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Ricotta Chicken Baked in Marinara sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

This Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender seared chicken breasts topped with a creamy garlic ricotta mixture and marinara sauce, baked to perfection until bubbly and golden. A simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1¾ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 breasts)
  • Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (2-3 teaspoons)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Ricotta Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (3 for large cloves)
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

Sauce

  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in flavor and juices.
  3. Mix Ricotta Topping: While the chicken sears, mix together the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl until well combined.
  4. Assemble in Skillet: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Place the skillet on a heat-safe surface. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly around the bottom of the pan. Next, place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the sauce. Evenly distribute about 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture over each chicken breast.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the ricotta topping is lightly browned and bubbling, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Spoon additional marinara sauce on top or underneath the chicken for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron for searing and baking to simplify the process.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if unavailable.
  • For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of ricotta or use part-skim ricotta cheese.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/ricotta-chicken-baked-in-marinara-sauce-recipe/