Here’s a detailed recipe for Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs — tender, flavorful, and perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as appetizers.
Ingredients (Makes about 18–20 meatballs)
For the Meatballs:
- 500g (1 lb) ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Baking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
- Optional: marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined — avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball.
- Roll into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush or spray the meatballs lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with pasta, on a sub sandwich, or with a side of vegetables.
- Optional: Warm marinara sauce and pour over meatballs for a classic pairing.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
- Tenderness: Ricotta keeps the meatballs soft and moist.
- Crispy edges: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a lightly browned crust.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag for later baking.
These meatballs are light, creamy, and packed with flavor, making them a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs without sacrificing taste.