Description
Delicious and healthy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach, combining lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach for a flavorful Italian-American main course. These meatballs are baked to perfection for a tender and juicy bite, making them perfect for serving with marinara sauce, pasta, or grain bowls. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, they also offer a high-protein option suitable for nutritious family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray or drizzle for baking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until everything is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using damp hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow even cooking.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to encourage browning and add flavor during baking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Optional Broiling: For extra browning and a slightly crispier exterior, broil the meatballs for an additional 2 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Serve these meatballs with marinara sauce, over pasta, or in grain bowls for a complete meal.
- They freeze well after baking, making them an excellent option for meal prep and quick dinners.
- For a low-carb alternative, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour without altering the texture significantly.
