If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious chicken dinner, look no further than this Ricotta Chicken Creamy Oven Baked Dinner. Perfect for weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken breasts, smooth ricotta cheese, and a luscious cream sauce baked to golden perfection. Its simple ingredients and minimal prep make it a recipe everyone can enjoy—even beginners in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy flavor: The ricotta cheese adds a soft, luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.
Easy preparation: Minimal steps and simple ingredients make this a perfect weeknight dinner.
Versatile sides: Serve it with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Family-friendly: Mild flavors are appealing to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Ricotta Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Prepare chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Make ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, lemon zest, oregano, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the dish: Place seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is lightly golden.
Optional broil: For a bubbly, golden crust, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

Tips for the Best Ricotta Chicken

Room temperature chicken: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Creamier sauce: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture if you prefer a more velvety sauce.
Cheese variation: Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and ricotta mixture up to a day ahead and bake when ready.

Serving Suggestions

With pasta: Serve over spaghetti or penne tossed lightly in olive oil or garlic butter.
With rice: A side of fluffy basmati or jasmine rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Vegetable sides: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli are excellent choices.
Salad pairing: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad adds freshness and balances the richness.

Variations to Try

Spinach ricotta chicken: Fold ½ cup of chopped fresh spinach into the ricotta mixture.
Sun-dried tomato twist: Add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch.
Herb medley: Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the aroma and flavor.
Low-carb version: Skip pasta and serve with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Ricotta is an Italian cheese made from whey, known for its creamy, slightly sweet taste.
Oven-baked chicken dishes with creamy cheese sauces are staples in Italian-American households, often adapted for easy weeknight dinners.
Lemon zest in the ricotta mixture enhances flavor without adding extra acidity, a common trick in Italian cooking.

Why Ricotta Chicken Works for Weeknights

This recipe hits all the checkboxes for a weeknight dinner: simple prep, minimal ingredients, and a result that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist, and baking in the oven requires little hands-on time, giving you the freedom to prepare a side dish or unwind while it cooks.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave for 2–3 minutes for a quick option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless thighs will work beautifully and may stay even juicier than breasts.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just ensure cheeses are labeled gluten-free if necessary.

Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the ricotta mixture for heat.

This Ricotta Chicken Creamy Oven Baked Dinner is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a favorite for families and weeknight cooks alike.