Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy Delight for Every Occasion 🍗🧀✨
1. Introduction: Discovering the Magic of Baked Ricotta Chicken
Looking for a gourmet dish that will not only impress your family and friends but also become a regular on your dinner table? Our Baked Ricotta Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! This mouthwatering dish brings together succulent chicken, creamy ricotta cheese – creating a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist – and fragrant herbs. Everything is then enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, delivering an unparalleled depth of flavor. Whether it’s for a special family gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, or a cozy romantic meal, this baked chicken recipe promises delightful flavors and a beautiful presentation that’s sure to wow. The combination of a well-cooked chicken with a lovely creamy cheese filling is a sure winner. Also, if you’re a fan of Italian-inspired dishes, you might also like our Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta. Get ready to learn how to make this incredibly delicious baked ricotta chicken!
2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Your Ricotta Chicken
To create this delectable Baked Ricotta Chicken, gather the following high-quality ingredients. The freshness of each component will significantly enhance the final flavor of this incredible dish.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): Opt for a fresh, plump chicken for maximum flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella works best to avoid a watery dish.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce, or make your own for an even better flavor. For an extra treat, try the recipe with our homemade mac and cheese sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil adds a sweet, herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley contributes a fresh, clean flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to bring out all the flavors.
- Olive oil for drizzling: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to add a rich, fruity note.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Setting the Stage for Flavor
Step 1: Before you begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up nicely during baking. Season the cavity of the chicken generously inside and out with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning layer is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor from the inside out. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, and parsley. Blend these ingredients well until they form a cohesive, fragrant mixture. This ricotta filling is where a lot of the magic happens, so don’t skimp on the herbs! Gently stuff this flavorful ricotta mixture into the cavity of the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. You can also lift the skin on the breast and stuff some of the cheese mixture underneath for even more flavor. If you’re exploring new cooking styles, check out our chicken recipes for more ideas.
4. Add Tomato Sauce: Building Layers of Deliciousness
Step 2: In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This layer of sauce will keep the chicken moist and add a base of flavor. Once the chicken is stuffed with the ricotta mixture, carefully place it on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Drizzle olive oil generously over the chicken. This helps the skin to crisp up and adds richness. Season the outside of the chicken with additional salt, pepper, and any remaining herbs. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. The sauce should cover most of the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful during baking. This simple step can easily be combined with our copycat subway italian herb cheese bread recipe.
5. Bake the Chicken: Achieving Golden Perfection
Step 3: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for approximately 1 hour. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly without drying out. Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken. The mozzarella will melt and create a delicious, cheesy crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. If you’re interested in other oven-baked recipes, you might enjoy our Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs.
6. Plate the Dish: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate
Step 4: Once the Baked Ricotta Chicken is fully cooked, carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Now, gently transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Be careful, as it will be very hot! Spoon some of the scrumptious sauce over the top of the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Garnish with extra fresh herbs. Serve the Baked Ricotta Chicken immediately alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. You can find many side dish ideas in our recipes category.
7. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Ricotta Chicken Fresh
Leftover Baked Ricotta Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken is cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Consider freezing portions of the chicken in individual containers to make it easy to thaw and reheat only what you need. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings as needed. Adding a little extra marinara sauce during reheating helps to keep the chicken moist. This meal pairs nicely with our smothered chicken and rice recipe, if you’d like to have some extra inspiration for your next meal.
8. Serving Suggestions: Complementing Your Ricotta Chicken Masterpiece
This delightful Baked Ricotta Chicken pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides. A classic side of garlic bread is always a hit, perfect for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, provide a healthy and colorful contrast. A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the chicken. For a complete Italian-themed dinner, serve the Baked Ricotta Chicken with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, and a decadent dessert like tiramisu or cannoli to finish off the meal. For another interesting side, you can also check Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe.
9. Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Baked Ricotta Chicken
Our Baked Ricotta Chicken is much more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy and satisfaction to every occasion. With its creamy ricotta filling, rich flavors, and visually appealing presentation, this dish will undoubtedly become a beloved staple in your household. Not only is this baked chicken recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it also allows for customization with your preferred herbs, spices, and cheese variations. So why wait? Try this extraordinary dish today and delight in the incredible flavors of a homemade Italian feast! Feel free to explore alternatives if you are interested, such as this recipe.
FAQs about Baked Ricotta Chicken
- Can I use other types of cheese in my baked chicken? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or provolone for different flavor profiles and textures.
- What can I use instead of marinara sauce? You can substitute marinara sauce with pesto for a vibrant, herby flavor or a creamy white sauce for a richer, more indulgent twist.
- How can I make it spicy? To add an extra kick of heat, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes into the ricotta filling or sprinkle sliced jalapeños over the chicken before baking.
- Can I prepare the Baked Ricotta Chicken in advance? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken and assemble the dish a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready.
- What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can use individual chicken pieces like breasts or thighs. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will cook faster.
Baked Ricotta Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Baked Ricotta Chicken is a gourmet dish that combines succulent chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners, this delicious recipe promises delightful flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Season the cavity with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, minced garlic, basil, and parsley, stuff this into the chicken.
- In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed chicken on top, drizzle with olive oil, season, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Spoon some sauce over and garnish with herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
- Leftover Baked Ricotta Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a refreshing salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian