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Homemade Chicken Manicotti photo

Chicken Manicotti

Comforting baked manicotti stuffed with shredded chicken and a three-cheese filling.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
  • 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided (1 cup for filling, 3/4 cup for topping)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping if desired
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 manicotti shells cooked according to package directions
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • fresh basil leaves chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • piping bag or resealable plastic bag
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta, beaten egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella, 1/3 cup Parmesan, dried oregano, and salt and pepper; mix until well blended.
  3. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off and fill each cooked manicotti shell, taking care not to overfill.
  4. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a small bowl, stir together the marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning, then pour evenly over the arranged shells.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella over the top and, if desired, a little extra Parmesan.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  8. Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving; garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Do not overfill shells to prevent tearing.
  • Prepare shells exactly as package directs before filling.
  • Let the casserole rest 5 minutes to set before serving.