Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor? These Baked Italian Chicken Thighs are your answer!
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With a rich blend of cheeses and savory marinara sauce, this easy recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a hearty, comforting meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes and can be paired with your favorite pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes.
Enjoy a taste of Italy right at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powderSalt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt.
- Set this aside.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle garlic powder and salt on both sides of the chicken thighs.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs, smooth-side down, in the hot oil.
- Cook until the bottoms are browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip the thighs over, then remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Add Toppings
- Spread an equal amount of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of each chicken thigh.
- Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the juices run clear.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella
- Top each chicken thigh with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 8: Garnish
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken thighs and cheese mixture up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the marinara sauce and follow the baking instructions.
What should I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a regular skillet to brown the chicken, then transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing it in the oven. Make sure the baking dish is well-coated with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Quick & Easy Baked Italian Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ¾ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (Optional) chopped
Instructions
Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Set this aside.
Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle garlic powder and salt on both sides of the chicken thighs.
Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs, smooth-side down, in the hot oil. Cook until the bottoms are browned, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the thighs over, then remove the skillet from heat.
Add Toppings
- Spread an equal amount of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of each chicken thigh. Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken.
Bake
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the juices run clear.
Add Mozzarella
- Top each chicken thigh with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.