Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe with Herbs and Lemon Zest

This baked ricotta chicken pairs a lemon-herb ricotta topping with oven-cooked chicken breasts.

Ingredients

Measure the ingredients below before you begin. Optional additions are marked in the list.

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as basil, parsley, or thyme)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Toothpicks

How to make it

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. If chicken breasts are thick, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and easier stuffing.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.

5. Divide the ricotta mixture evenly and spoon it into the pockets of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the openings closed, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.

6. Lightly grease a baking dish or spray with cooking spray. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the baking dish, seam side down. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the chicken breasts and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The cheese filling should be golden brown and bubbling.

8. Remove the Baked Ricotta Chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh herbs and lemon zest for enhanced flavor and aroma. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Tips and serving

Use a thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken and cook to 165°F (74°C); rest before slicing.

For more ideas, try Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce or Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Weeknight Dinners.