Italian Chicken Thighs

This Italian chicken recipe does not take a lot of time to make. The chicken served with three cheeses and marinara sauce is tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 lb. chicken
1 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 c. ricotta or cottage cheese
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. marjoram
1 1/2 c. marinara sauce
3/4 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

Season chicken on both sides with garlic powder, salt and pepper.

In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs.  Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are browned. They do not have to cook through completely.  Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, thyme, and marjoram. 

Spoon equal amounts of the ricotta cheese mixture over each chicken thigh. 

Pour marinara sauce over the top.

Bake the chicken for 35 minutes, or until the chicken registers 165° with a meat thermometer and the juices run clear. 

Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Serve with pasta.