Name: Delicious Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken: This lean meat provides a hearty base, offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs while maintaining a juicy texture.; 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta adds moisture and richness to the meatballs, balancing the flavors beautifully.; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese enhances the savory profile and adds a slight nuttiness that pairs perfectly with chicken and herbs.; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients together while giving the meatballs a crispy texture when baked.; 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.; 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the meatballs with aromatic flavor, making each bite truly delicious.; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, flavor, and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.; 1/2 tsp onion powder: This seasoning enhances the overall flavor without the texture of fresh onions.; 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.; 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.; Olive oil spray: A light spray ensures the meatballs have a nice browning as they bake without excess fat.

Description

Delicious baked chicken ricotta meatballs: Tender chicken and creamy ricotta, baked for a healthy and flavorful main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground chicken: This lean meat provides a hearty base, offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs while maintaining a juicy texture.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta adds moisture and richness to the meatballs, balancing the flavors beautifully.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese enhances the savory profile and adds a slight nuttiness that pairs perfectly with chicken and herbs.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients together while giving the meatballs a crispy texture when baked.
1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the meatballs with aromatic flavor, making each bite truly delicious.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, flavor, and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.
1/2 tsp onion powder: This seasoning enhances the overall flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
Olive oil spray: A light spray ensures the meatballs have a nice browning as they bake without excess fat.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 lb of ground chicken, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tougher meatballs.
Form the meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out a portion of the mixture and shape it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare for baking: Lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil spray. This will encourage browning and create a crispy outer layer.
Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown on the outside.

Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving. These meatballs can be enjoyed as-is or paired with your favorite marinara sauce. You can serve them over traditional pasta, zoodles, or as a stand-alone snack.