Flavorful Baked Ricotta Chicken with Lemon and Parmesan

The first time I tried combining ricotta with chicken, I was craving something cozy yet flavorful, inspired by my love for simple, family-friendly meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This baked ricotta chicken recipe is exactly that—quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Creamy ricotta blends with tender chicken breasts or thighs, creating a balanced, one-pan meal that your family will ask for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for a baked ricotta chicken recipe that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly creamy, this dish is a game-changer. Using tender chicken breasts or juicy thighs, baked ricotta chicken combines the richness of fresh ricotta with flavorful herbs, garlic, and Parmesan for a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a family-friendly recipe that pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. You can even turn it into baked ricotta chicken pasta or baked ricotta chicken meatballs with spinach for variety. The versatility of baked ricotta chicken allows you to customize the dish with pesto, lemon zest, or your favorite seasonings, making it a balanced, one-pan meal. Whether you’re making baked ricotta chicken breast for a simple dinner or experimenting with baked ricotta chicken with pesto green beans or baked ricotta chicken and pesto broccoli, this recipe delivers tender, cheesy chicken every time. Comfort, flavor, and convenience come together in this baked ricotta chicken recipe your whole family will love.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This baked ricotta chicken recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a creamy, flavorful dish. The star is ricotta cheese, which adds a rich, smooth texture to tender chicken breasts or thighs. Parmesan enhances the savory depth, while garlic, Italian herbs, and lemon zest bring aromatic layers of flavor. Olive oil ensures the chicken stays juicy during baking, and optional add-ins like spinach, cooked pasta, or roasted vegetables allow you to customize the dish for family-friendly meals or baked ricotta chicken pasta variations. These ingredients make baked ricotta chicken both easy to prepare and versatile for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4)

For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or fresh basil and oregano)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup chopped spinach (for ricotta chicken meatballs or stuffed chicken)
½ cup cooked pasta (for baked ricotta chicken pasta)
Pesto or roasted vegetables (for serving)

How to Make This Recipe

Creating baked ricotta chicken is simple, flavorful, and customizable. Start by preparing the ricotta mixture, combining fresh ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, garlic, Italian herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture enhances tender chicken breasts or thighs, making baked ricotta chicken irresistibly rich. Whether you’re making baked ricotta chicken meatballs, stuffed baked ricotta chicken breast, or baked ricotta chicken pasta, this recipe is versatile. Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy, and optional add-ins like spinach, pesto, or roasted vegetables add extra flavor. Following these steps guarantees perfectly baked ricotta chicken every time, with golden edges, creamy filling, and tender, flavorful meat that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil
In a bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pat 4 chicken breasts or thighs dry
For stuffed chicken, cut pockets and fill with ricotta mixture; for a simpler version, spread mixture on top
Place chicken in baking dish and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil
Bake 25–30 minutes for breasts or 35–40 minutes for thighs, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Optional: shred baked chicken for baked ricotta chicken pasta or serve with roasted vegetables or pesto for extra flavor

Expert Cooking Tips

To make the most flavorful baked ricotta chicken, choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. Fresh ricotta cheese ensures a creamy texture, while Parmesan adds savory depth. Using tender chicken breasts or juicy thighs guarantees the perfect baked ricotta chicken every time. Garlic, Italian herbs, and lemon zest elevate the flavor, and olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Optional add-ins like spinach, pasta, or roasted vegetables make this baked ricotta chicken recipe versatile and family-friendly. Following these expert tips will help you create baked ricotta chicken that’s tender, cheesy, and full of flavor, whether you’re serving baked ricotta chicken breast, baked ricotta chicken pasta, or baked ricotta chicken meatballs.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use fresh ricotta cheese for creamy baked ricotta chicken
Grate Parmesan finely for even flavor distribution
Pat chicken dry before adding ricotta mixture to prevent excess moisture
Use olive oil to keep baked ricotta chicken moist
Add lemon zest and Italian herbs to enhance flavor
For baked ricotta chicken pasta, shred chicken after baking for easy mixing
Optional: add spinach or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and variety
Check internal temperature: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked baked ricotta chicken

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Baked ricotta chicken is a versatile, family-friendly dish that combines tender chicken with creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and flavorful herbs. Whether you’re preparing baked ricotta chicken breast for a simple weeknight dinner, making baked ricotta chicken pasta for a comforting meal, or trying baked ricotta chicken meatballs with spinach, this recipe is quick, customizable, and delicious. With its rich flavor, easy preparation, and ability to pair with vegetables, pasta, or pesto, baked ricotta chicken is a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Baked Ricotta Chicken

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~40–55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A creamy, cheesy baked chicken dish featuring ricotta cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. This recipe works for chicken breasts, thighs, or even meatballs for a twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or fresh basil and oregano)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chopped spinach (for ricotta chicken meatballs or stuffed chicken)

• ½ cup cooked pasta (for baked ricotta chicken pasta)

• Pesto or roasted vegetables (for serving)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Make Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, Italian herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken dry. For stuffed chicken, cut a pocket in each breast and fill with ricotta mixture. For a simpler version, spread ricotta mixture over the top of the chicken.

Step 4: Bake
Place chicken in the prepared dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes (breasts) or 35–40 minutes (thighs) until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Optional Additions

• For baked ricotta chicken pasta, shred baked chicken and toss with cooked pasta and extra ricotta or a light tomato/pesto sauce.

• Serve with roasted green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Cheese Tip: Use fresh ricotta for a creamy texture.
• Make Ahead: Chicken can be prepped a day ahead; bake just before serving.
• Variation: Try adding herbs like thyme or sage for a fragrant twist.
• Meatballs: Mix ricotta into ground chicken with breadcrumbs for baked ricotta chicken meatballs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–40 minutes (depending on cut)
• Category: Main Course / Chicken
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American