Ricotta Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal made with just five main ingredients. This dish has saved my busy weeknights, making it easy to prepare a delightful meal that everyone will love. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. This oven-baked delight combines tender chicken with rich ricotta cheese, creating a satisfying dish that tastes like a gourmet meal. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Chicken Bake

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Ricotta Chicken Bake. Firstly, it’s a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for families on busy weeknights. Secondly, the creamy ricotta adds a rich flavor to the chicken, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional casseroles. Thirdly, this dish is naturally gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Additionally, it’s customizable; you can add your favorite vegetables or herbs to create your version of this creamy ricotta chicken dish. Further, with only five ingredients, it’s budget-friendly. Lastly, it’s a family-friendly recipe that kids will enjoy!

Ingredients for Ricotta Chicken Bake

Gather these items:

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make Ricotta Chicken Bake Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
6. Step 6: Spread ricotta mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
7. Step 7: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Step 8: Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the ricotta topping.
9. Step 9: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Ricotta Chicken Bake

Keep these in mind:

• Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor.
• Experiment with herbs and spices like basil or oregano for added flavor.
• Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for uniform cooking.
• This dish works great as a one-pan ricotta chicken bake meal, making cleanup simple.

Best Ways to Serve Ricotta Chicken Bake

This easy ricotta chicken bake recipe can be served with various sides. Pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal or with roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner. You can also serve it with quinoa or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra touch!

How to Store and Reheat Ricotta Chicken Bake

Once your oven-baked ricotta chicken recipe is cooked, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This makes it a great meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ricotta Chicken Bake

What’s the secret to perfect Ricotta Chicken Bake?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring the chicken is evenly pounded. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors of the chicken with ricotta cheese to shine.

Can I make Ricotta Chicken Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and season the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ricotta Chicken Bake?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you do not overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F helps prevent dryness in your baked ricotta chicken.

Variations of Ricotta Chicken Bake You Can Try

There are many flavorful Ricotta Chicken Bake variations. For a healthier twist, try incorporating spinach into the ricotta mixture or adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your palate. This flexibility makes it easy to create new family-friendly Ricotta Chicken Bake recipes each time!

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. If you’re interested in meal prep, consider reading about Easy Avocado Toast Recipe for a quick and nutritious option.

Ricotta Chicken Bake: 5-Ingredient Creamy Delight

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This Ricotta Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal made with just 5 main ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly customizable.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
4. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
6. Spread ricotta mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
7. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the ricotta topping.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg