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Ricotta Chicken with Marinara and Three Cheeses Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 15 reviews

This Ricotta Chicken recipe features juicy, tender boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta and parmesan cheese mixture, layered with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups jarred marinara sauce
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to an even ½ inch thickness (approximately 1 ¾ to 2 pounds)

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature

Seasonings

  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread half (¾ cup) of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Reserve the remaining ¾ cup for later use.
  3. Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the sauce in the baking dish and set aside.
  4. Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  5. Top Chicken with Cheese: Divide the cheese mixture into four equal portions and spread evenly over each chicken breast.
  6. Add Remaining Sauce: Spoon the reserved remaining marinara sauce evenly over the cheese-coated chicken breasts, spreading gently without mixing the sauce into the cheese layer.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°-165°F. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese carefully.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, allowing the juices to redistribute and basil to retain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Broiling the cheese at the end adds a beautiful golden crust but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Fresh basil garnish adds a bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/ricotta-chicken-with-marinara-and-three-cheeses-recipe/