If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s both simple to prepare and absolutely delicious, look no further than these Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs. These meatballs combine the lean goodness of chicken with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, making them tender and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering.

What makes these meatballs truly special is their delightful combination of herbs, spices, and ricotta that elevates the classic meatball experience. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Served with your favorite marinara sauce or tossed in pasta, these meatballs will become a staple in your household.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious recipe!

These Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs feature a perfect blend of ground chicken, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasonings, baked until golden and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make for a quick and hearty meal that can be served over pasta, in a sub, or simply enjoyed on their own. The ricotta adds a creaminess that makes each bite irresistible.

With minimal prep time and ingredients you probably already have on hand, these meatballs are a wonderful addition to your dinner rotation. Let’s get cooking!

Exciting Story:

I’ll never forget the first time I made these Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs for my family. It was one of those hectic weeknights when everyone was running around, and I needed a meal that was quick but still packed with flavor. I decided to try something new by combining ground chicken with ricotta, and the result was a revelation!

As the meatballs baked in the oven, the aroma of herbs and cheese wafted through the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen. My kids couldn’t wait to dig in, and when they took that first bite, I saw their faces light up. They were instantly hooked! Now, this recipe is a family favorite, and I often find myself making extra batches to freeze for busy nights. It’s a reminder of how a simple dish can create joyful moments around the dinner table.

Why This Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs?

• Flavorful and Moist: The addition of ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs tender and flavorful.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Serve: Once baked, serve the meatballs with marinara sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips For Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Avoid Overmixing: To keep the meatballs tender, mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Proteins: Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if desired.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use lean ground chicken breast to reduce fat content.
• Replace ricotta with low-fat cottage cheese for a lower-calorie option.

Closing For Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

And there you have it! These Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and easy meal that your whole family will love. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful meals!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

How long can I store leftover meatballs?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or in a sub sandwich.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used, but blend it for a smoother texture.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can use a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme as a substitute.

Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
Yes, finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini can be added for extra nutrition.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when cooked.

Can I bake these meatballs in sauce?
Yes, you can bake them in marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.

What should I do if the meatballs are too dry?
If your mixture feels dry, add a splash of milk or additional ricotta to moisten it.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs, using about three times the amount of dried herbs.

What’s the best way to reheat meatballs?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.

Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Thanksgiving, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
• Serve: Once baked, serve the meatballs with marinara sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley.