Cheesy Baked Chicken Thighs

Cheesy Baked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
  
  
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  
  
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
  
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  
  
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  
  
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  
  
• Salt to taste
  
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  
• 3 cups marinara sauce
  
  
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  
  
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  
  

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2️⃣ Mix Filling:
In a small bowl, combine:

• Ricotta cheese
  
  
• Parmesan cheese
  
  
• Italian seasoning
  
  
• Salt
  Set aside.
  
  

3️⃣ Season Chicken:
Season chicken thighs on both sides with:

• Garlic powder
  
  
• Salt to taste
  
  

4️⃣ Sear Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
  
  
• Place chicken smooth-side down and cook until bottoms are browned, 3–4 minutes.
  
  
• Flip thighs, then remove skillet from heat.
  
  

5️⃣ Assemble:

• Top each thigh with an equal amount of ricotta mixture.
  
  
• Spoon marinara sauce on top and around the chicken.
  
  

6️⃣ Bake:

• Transfer skillet to preheated oven.
  
  
• Bake about 25 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
  
  
• An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the center.
  
  

7️⃣ Top with Cheese:

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each thigh.
  
  
• Return to oven 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
  
  

8️⃣ Garnish & Serve:

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.