Description
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for a family dinner. Made with lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and Parmesan, they offer a tender texture with a burst of savory herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or pasta for a fulfilling meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing or drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs if using, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a consistent mixture.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Lightly drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to encourage browning and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve warm alongside your favorite marinara sauce, over pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Breadcrumbs are optional but help bind the meatballs for better texture.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or other greens if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
- Internal temperature should always reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before baking for convenience.
