If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that feels elegant but is secretly easy, Creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe. This dish combines tender baked chicken breasts with a rich, lemon-kissed ricotta topping that stays moist, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve when guests come over.

Ricotta chicken recipes have quietly gained popularity for a reason: ricotta cheese locks in moisture while creating a luxurious texture without the heaviness of cream sauces. Unlike Alfredo-style dishes, ricotta provides a light yet indulgent finish that complements chicken beautifully.

This recipe requires minimal prep, basic pantry ingredients, and one baking dish. No searing, no complicated steps, and no dry chicken — ever.

Why Ricotta Works So Well With Chicken

Ricotta is a mild, fresh cheese traditionally used in Italian cooking. When baked, it becomes fluffy and lightly golden, forming a creamy blanket over chicken that keeps it juicy throughout the cooking process. The subtle tang of ricotta pairs perfectly with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs, making it ideal for a simple but deeply satisfying chicken dinner.

Compared to cream cheese or heavy cream, ricotta offers:

A lighter texture
Fewer calories
A naturally creamy consistency
Excellent moisture retention

That’s why baked ricotta chicken has become a favorite among home cooks who want comfort food without feeling weighed down.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best results.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
Season the chicken evenly with salt and black pepper.
Make the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Spread the ricotta topping generously over each chicken breast, fully covering the surface.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Optional broil: For a lightly golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Rest and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.