Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, but highly recommended for freshness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you get everything else ready. Lightly brush a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or give it a quick spray to prevent sticking later on.
Blot the chicken breasts with paper towels to remove any excess moisture — this small step helps them cook evenly and get that nice golden edge. Arrange them snugly in your prepared baking dish, smooth side up.
Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should smell herby and a little cheesy — aka amazing.
Spoon the ricotta mixture on top of each chicken breast and spread it out evenly with the back of your spoon. Don’t be shy here — a generous coating means more flavor in every bite.
Drizzle the olive oil over the tops. This will help the cheese mixture turn golden and slightly crisp on the edges as it bakes. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the ricotta topping turns lightly golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Pro tip: Want a touch of golden-brown color? Flip on the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end — but keep a close eye on it!
If you’re craving that classic Italian comfort vibe, warm up some marinara sauce on the stove while the chicken bakes. When the chicken is done, you can either spoon the sauce over each breast or serve it on the side for dipping. Both ways work beautifully.
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Sprinkle a little extra parsley or Parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Pair it with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad — whatever your heart (and pantry) desires. The ricotta makes the chicken super tender and flavorful, so you’ll probably go back for seconds.
Notes
- You can swap ricotta for blended cottage cheese if that’s what you have on hand — it still gives you that creamy, rich texture.
- Want more herbs? Sprinkle fresh basil or thyme over the top right before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm.