Tasty Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a flavorful and tender twist on traditional meatballs. The addition of creamy ricotta cheese ensures they stay moist and light, while simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. These versatile meatballs are perfect for serving with pasta, in sandwiches, or even as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce (Optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- 2
Make the Meatball Mixture:In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- 3
Shape the Meatballs:Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion the mixture and roll into uniform meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- 4
Bake the Meatballs:Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 5
Prepare the Sauce (Optional):While the meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 6
Serve:Serve the meatballs over pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.