Chicken Al Forno
Chicken Al Forno is a classic Italian-inspired baked chicken dish made with seasoned chicken breasts, creamy marinara sauce, ricotta, parmesan, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spoon ricotta on top of each piece, and sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining parmesan over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Serve with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition
Notes
- Searing the Chicken: Browning the chicken first adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture before baking.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or extra cream to thin it out slightly.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For an extra golden and bubbly top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Customizations: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the dish lower in carbs while still enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness.
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