Description
Succulent Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs blend Italian comfort with lean protein perfection. Rich herbs and creamy ricotta elevate this classic dish, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken
- 1 large egg
Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend ground chicken with ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently form uniform spherical portions, ensuring consistent size for even cooking, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Position the tray in a preheated oven at 400F (200C), creating an environment for golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
- Allow meatballs to roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, monitoring their transformation into a rich, caramelized golden shade while ensuring complete internal cooking.
- Once removed from the oven, let the meatballs rest momentarily to stabilize their structure and concentrate flavors.
- Accompany the meatballs with vibrant marinara sauce, enhancing their savory profile and providing a complementary moisture element.
Notes
- Ensure the ground chicken is lean to prevent dry meatballs, using chicken with 93% lean meat for best texture.
- Add extra moisture by incorporating a splash of milk or chicken broth into the mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- For gluten-free option, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain binding and texture.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the meatballs’ flavor profile and add a vibrant Mediterranean touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg