Juicy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Juicy baked chicken ricotta meatballs burst with unexpected Mediterranean flavors that’ll make dinner feel like a mini vacation.

Fragrant herbs and creamy cheese create magic inside each perfectly seasoned bite.

Little pockets of ricotta guarantee incredible tenderness throughout the meat mixture.

Weeknight cooking suddenly becomes something special when you craft these delightful morsels.

Comfort meets sophistication in a single, elegant protein option that feels both familiar and exciting.

Lean protein packed with zesty notes promises a meal everyone will devour with enthusiasm.

Venture beyond standard meatball recipes and surprise your taste buds with this irresistible culinary adventure.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Baked Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein foundation for the meatballs, provides a lighter alternative to beef.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creamy texture to keep meatballs tender.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and provides structure.

• Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that add bright and aromatic flavors to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Provides deep, robust flavor to both meatballs and sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste and adding subtle heat.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and keeps meatballs from becoming dense.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Smooth base for the marinara sauce with rich tomato flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking when cooking.
• Basil: Provides fresh, aromatic flavor to the marinara sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth of flavor and can be used for garnishing.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Baking Method

Step 1: Create Flavorful Chicken Morsels

Heat your oven to a toasty 375°F.

• Ground chicken
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Fresh egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Spicy red pepper flakes

Gently mix ingredients until just combined.

Craft uniform bite-sized spheres and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake until golden and fully cooked, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Tomato Sauce

While meatballs roast, warm olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.

• Fresh basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir and let the sauce simmer, developing rich flavors for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Marry Meatballs and Sauce

Transfer golden meatballs directly into the bubbling sauce.

Allow them to mingle and absorb flavors for an additional 10 minutes.

Plate over pasta or rice, garnishing with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Meatball Tips for Baked Chicken Ricotta

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the chicken meatballs tender and juicy.
• Use full-fat ricotta cheese to add richness and prevent dry meatballs while maintaining a soft texture.
• Toast breadcrumbs lightly before adding to the mixture to boost the overall taste and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version or use almond flour for a low-carb alternative.

Ricotta Chicken Meatballs Storage

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Seal completely cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, which can preserve quality for 2-3 months.
• Warm meatballs at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying, ensuring they reach 165°F internal temperature.
• Heat meatballs in short 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles, to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Ideal Additions

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the rich, creamy meatballs and complements the tangy marinara sauce.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, golden garlic bread alongside the meatballs to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Fresh Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Create a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives to balance the hearty meatballs and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Herbal Aromatic Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the dish to enhance the herb flavors and add a vibrant, garden-fresh touch to the presentation.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Made Another Way

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a binding agent.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground flaxseed. Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute ricotta with silken tofu or mashed white beans. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar umami flavor.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Increase red pepper flakes and add fresh chopped cilantro or mint. Mix in ground cumin or smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly in this recipe. The texture and cooking method remain the same.

• Is ricotta cheese necessary for the meatballs?

Ricotta adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs. If you don’t have ricotta, you can replace it with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for similar results.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut a meatball in half to ensure there’s no pink meat inside.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and reheat them when ready to serve. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.

What Makes Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Stand Out

Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whips up in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Combines lean ground chicken with creamy ricotta, delivering a lighter, healthier twist on traditional meatball recipes that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Versatile Meal Transformer: Easily adapts to multiple serving styles – tossed with pasta, tucked into sandwiches, or enjoyed as a standalone protein, providing endless meal possibilities for different preferences and occasions.

Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking instead of frying ensures even cooking, reduces messy splatter, and creates consistently tender meatballs with minimal hands-on preparation, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked chicken ricotta meatballs promise a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey that blends Italian comfort with lean protein perfection. Herb-infused and delicately crafted, these meatballs deliver a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable chicken-ricotta mixture by blending ground chicken with creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, aromatic herbs, and a whisked egg. Gently fold the ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture without compressing the proteins.
2. Form uniform spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking. Arrange the delicate orbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet with slight spacing between each meatball.
3. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F, allowing the exterior to develop a golden-brown crust while maintaining a succulent interior. The cooking process will take roughly 15-20 minutes, transforming the raw mixture into perfectly cooked protein pillows.
4. Simultaneously, craft a vibrant marinara sauce by infusing olive oil with minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence. Pour in crushed tomatoes and complement with fresh basil, robust oregano, and a nuanced touch of red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer the sauce gently, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify. The reduction process concentrates the tomato’s natural sweetness and herb characteristics.
6. Delicately nestle the baked meatballs into the simmering sauce, permitting them to absorb the aromatic liquid and further enhance their flavor profile.
7. Present the meatballs atop your preferred accompaniment, such as pasta or fluffy rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for varied protein options, ensuring the same juicy texture.
• Mix breadcrumbs with almond flour to create a gluten-free version that maintains the perfect meatball consistency.
• Control moisture by draining excess liquid from ricotta cheese before mixing, preventing soggy meatballs and maintaining ideal texture.
• Add grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach to increase vegetable content and create a more nutritious meatball without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg