This Baked Ricotta Chicken is a perfect combination of tender chicken, rich ricotta, and a crispy breadcrumb crust. The creamy stuffing of ricotta and mozzarella creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite, while the golden-brown exterior adds the perfect touch of crunch.
Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. You can pair it with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even some pasta for a complete meal. The flavor is rich, but it’s still light enough to enjoy as a comforting meal any day of the week.
Full Recipe:
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4 chicken breasts
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
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Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
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Stuff each chicken breast with the ricotta mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each.
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Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of each breast.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden.
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Baked Ricotta Chicken Is the Perfect Meal
Baked Ricotta Chicken stands out for its combination of creamy, savory ricotta cheese and tender, juicy chicken. The chicken acts as a blank canvas, absorbing the delicious flavors from the cheese filling, which includes mozzarella and parmesan. The crispy breadcrumb topping provides just the right crunch, adding texture to the creamy richness inside.
This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about ease of preparation. Unlike many stuffed chicken recipes that require labor-intensive techniques, Baked Ricotta Chicken is relatively straightforward to make. The ricotta mixture is simply combined and stuffed into chicken breasts, and the chicken is browned on the stovetop before being transferred to the oven for baking. This simplicity makes it perfect for home cooks at all skill levels, even beginners who are just starting to experiment in the kitchen.
What Makes Ricotta Chicken So Special?
The real magic behind Baked Ricotta Chicken lies in the ricotta cheese filling. Ricotta has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that makes it perfect for stuffing chicken breasts. It melds beautifully with other cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan, creating a filling that is rich without being overwhelming. The fresh herbs—like basil—infuse the dish with a refreshing, aromatic quality, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Additionally, this dish works wonders because of its versatility. You can add your own spin by changing up the herbs, using different types of cheese, or experimenting with seasonings. The ricotta filling can even be customized to suit your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a more herbaceous flavor or a creamier, richer filling, this dish can easily adapt to your tastes.
Health Benefits of Baked Ricotta Chicken
While this dish may feel indulgent, it can also be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making this a great option for anyone looking to add more protein to their meals without excessive fat. Ricotta cheese, when used in moderation, provides a healthy dose of calcium and other essential nutrients. The dish can also be made even healthier by using whole-wheat breadcrumbs or skipping the breadcrumbs altogether for a low-carb option.
Baked Ricotta Chicken can be a delicious choice for those following a gluten-free, low-carb, or high-protein diet. It offers a perfect balance of nutrients, providing protein from the chicken and cheese, along with healthy fats and carbohydrates from the breadcrumbs. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to round out your meal and create a well-balanced, nutritious dinner.
How to Customize Your Baked Ricotta Chicken
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is its flexibility. Whether you want to make it more decadent or lighter, there are several ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for customization:
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Add vegetables to the ricotta mixture: To boost the nutritional value of the dish, you can add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta filling. This will add some extra texture and flavor to the dish.
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Use different cheeses: While mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices, you can mix things up by adding other cheeses like goat cheese, cheddar, or gouda for a richer flavor.
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Make it spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, you can incorporate chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños into the ricotta filling. This will add a delightful spicy kick to the creamy filling.
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Swap breadcrumbs for a different coating: For a lower-carb version, you can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed almonds, panko, or even a mixture of ground flaxseeds and Parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Ricotta Chicken
Baked Ricotta Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are a classic pairing with baked chicken. The smoothness of the potatoes works wonderfully with the crispy, cheesy chicken.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts are excellent sides. Their natural sweetness and slight char enhance the dish, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
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Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter, lower-carb option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice. This dish has a mild flavor that won’t compete with the flavors of the chicken while still providing a satisfying texture.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette adds a crisp and tangy contrast to the rich chicken. You can even add a few cherry tomatoes or some sliced avocado for extra flavor.
Why You Should Try Baked Ricotta Chicken Today
If you’re searching for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make chicken recipe, Baked Ricotta Chicken is the answer. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party. With its creamy ricotta filling and crispy crust, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy, flavorful meals.
The best part is that this recipe is incredibly customizable, so you can make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve on special occasions. Give it a try and you’ll find that it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Conclusion
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a meal that delivers both comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is easy to prepare and always turns out delicious. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping is simply irresistible. With its versatility and health benefits, this dish is a great addition to your recipe collection. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to try, look no further than Baked Ricotta Chicken. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Enjoy it with your loved ones, and you’ll soon find yourself making this recipe over and over again!