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–+ servings

Quick & Easy Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs are seasoned and cooked in a savory marinara sauce with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, creating a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

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.
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