Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious variation of traditional meatballs, offering a light yet savory bite. By combining lean ground chicken with creamy ricotta cheese, these meatballs stay tender and juicy.
The best part? Baking them provides a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing any flavor. Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delightful twist on the traditional meatball, combining the lightness of chicken with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese.
These meatballs offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite for anyone looking for a comforting, nutritious, and versatile meal option.
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal. Ground chicken is combined with creamy ricotta cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, and a touch of grated Parmesan, then rolled into perfectly-sized meatballs and baked until golden brown. The meatballs are ideal for pairing with marinara sauce and pasta, or enjoyed on their own as an appetizer. The baking method ensures they stay moist and juicy without the need for frying, making them a great weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 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
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).Mix the ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs light and tender. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine: Once the meatballs are baked, add them to the simmering marinara sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or enjoy them on their own. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired
Notes
Here’s why you’ll love them:
1. Mouthwatering Tenderness
One of the standout features of these meatballs is their incredible tenderness. Ricotta cheese acts as a natural tenderizer, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. While some chicken meatballs can turn out dry, the ricotta ensures they remain moist and juicy with every bite.2. Rich and Balanced Flavor
Chicken is a lean protein with a mild flavor, which provides a blank canvas for the savory ingredients in the recipe. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley, garlic, and Parmesan cheese brings layers of flavor without being overpowering. The ricotta adds a slight creaminess and richness that elevates the overall taste profile.3. Healthier Alternative
If you’re health-conscious, Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a fantastic option. They’re lower in fat and calories compared to traditional beef or pork meatballs. Baking them instead of frying further reduces the fat content while still achieving a golden-brown exterior. Paired with a fresh tomato sauce or served over zucchini noodles, they can easily fit into low-carb, gluten-free, or high-protein diets.4. Versatility for Any Meal
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, a main course over pasta, or even in a sandwich for a hearty lunch. Their mild flavor pairs beautifully with classic marinara, creamy Alfredo, or even a tangy lemon sauce. They also freeze well, making them an excellent meal-prep option for busy weeknights.5. Quick and Easy to Make
Despite their complex flavor and gourmet feel, Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are surprisingly easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the method is straightforward—just mix, shape, and bake. There’s no need to stand over a frying pan or worry about splattering oil. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious homemade dish ready to enjoy.6. Family-Friendly
These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids love the soft, mild texture, while adults appreciate the elevated flavor. They’re also a great way to sneak in extra protein for picky eaters.7. Customizable
Finally, the recipe is endlessly customizable. Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes. Looking for extra veggies? Mix in finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini. You can even swap out the chicken for turkey or add lemon zest for a bright, citrusy kick. In short, Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. With their tender texture, balanced flavor, and adaptability, they’re a guaranteed hit at any meal. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!Tips for Making Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
- Choose Quality Ingredients
Start with fresh ground chicken and high-quality ricotta. The moisture and flavor of these ingredients are key for soft, flavorful meatballs. - Drain Ricotta (If Watery)
If your ricotta is too wet, it can make the mixture overly soft. Strain the ricotta through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer for 20-30 minutes. - Use Panko for Lightness
Panko breadcrumbs add a light, airy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, keeping your meatballs soft without being dense. - Egg for Binding
Add one egg to help bind the mixture. Avoid adding more than one egg, as it can make the mixture too wet. - Season Generously
Balance salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs (like parsley, oregano, or basil) for flavor. Add a pinch of grated Parmesan for a nutty, umami touch. - Mix Gently
Over-mixing can make the meatballs dense. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. You want everything to hold together but remain tender. - Chill Before Shaping
Chill the mixture for 20-30 minutes before forming the meatballs. This step firms up the mixture and makes shaping easier. - Uniform Meatball Size
Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion the meatballs evenly. This ensures even cooking. - Preheat Your Oven
A hot oven (around 400°F / 200°C) is essential to get a nice golden-brown exterior without overcooking the interior. - Use a Greased Baking Rack
Place the meatballs on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath. This technique helps achieve even browning and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy. - Baste with Olive Oil or Broth
Halfway through cooking, lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil or chicken broth for added moisture and flavor. - Check Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without being dry.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tricks
- Classic Marinara Pairing
Serve the meatballs in a rich marinara sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan for a vibrant, flavorful finish. - Zoodles or Pasta
Serve over zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option or classic spaghetti for a hearty meal. - Appetizer Option
For a party, place meatballs on skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a fun and easy appetizer. - Sub Sandwich
Make a chicken ricotta meatball sub by layering the meatballs on a toasted hoagie roll with marinara and melted mozzarella. - Meatball Salad
Serve on a bed of arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette for a unique, healthy twist. - Family-Style Serving
Present the meatballs in a shallow baking dish with sauce and garnish. Allow guests to serve themselves for a cozy, communal meal.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the chicken.
- To make ahead, prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
