Creamy Spinach Ricotta Chicken Traybake Recipe
A simple and wholesome Spinach Ricotta Chicken Traybake featuring tender chicken pieces baked alongside creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, infused with aromatic garlic for a comforting and delicious one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Vegetables and Dairy
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Additional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the ingredients and assemble the tray.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs.
- Assemble the tray: In a baking dish, spread the fresh spinach evenly. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the dish. Drizzle olive oil over everything to help with browning and moisture retention.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the ricotta is slightly golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the traybake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and flavors to meld for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, but ricotta provides a creamier finish.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Spinach, Ricotta, Chicken, Traybake, Easy Dinner, Baked Chicken, Healthy Meal, One-pan Recipe
