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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer the sauce gently, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify. The reduction process concentrates the tomato’s natural sweetness and herb characteristics.
- Delicately nestle the baked meatballs into the simmering sauce, permitting them to absorb the aromatic liquid and further enhance their flavor profile.
- 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