Description
This Lasagna Chicken Bake is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta mixture, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection, it's an easy one-dish meal perfect for a family dinner that pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin cutlets)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Ricotta Topping
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Other
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Prepare Ricotta Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated parmesan, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.
- Season Chicken: In a large 9x13 baking dish, lay the thin chicken cutlets flat in a single layer. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the chicken breasts to add flavor.
- Assemble Bake: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Then, pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure each piece is well covered. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F and the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle. Serve warm with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken cutlets are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- You can substitute fresh basil for parsley if preferred.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked to 165˚F for safety.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
