Description
Succulent Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach bring Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables. Generous herbs, creamy ricotta, and lean chicken create an irresistible dish perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken
- 1 large egg
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs, Seasonings, and Extras:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ground chicken, ricotta, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into a cohesive mixture, using gentle hand movements to blend without overworking the protein.
- Portion the mixture into uniform spherical shapes, approximately the size of a large tablespoon, carefully forming each meatball with clean hands and positioning them with equal spacing across the prepared baking surface.
- Optional: Delicately brush olive oil across the meatball surfaces to enhance browning potential. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) and the exterior develops a golden-brown complexion.
- Transfer the aromatic meatballs to a serving platter, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping or coating. Enhance the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves as a final garnish. Complement the dish with pasta, zucchini noodles, or rustic bread for a satisfying meal experience.
Notes
- Ensure gentle mixing of ingredients to maintain the meatballs’ light and tender texture, preventing dense or tough results.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatball sizes, promoting even cooking and professional presentation.
- For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Reduce fat content by using lean ground chicken breast and part-skim ricotta cheese without compromising the delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg