What are some great Baked Chicken ricotta meatballs? Is there a modern twist to the comfort of your grandma’s kitchen? Think juicy, tender meatballs, not fried but baked to golden perfection, and filled with a creamy sauce. What is ri If you’re a fan of Italian-American meatballs, you absolutely HAVE to try this version. What are some of the best things to do with your kids? What are some of the easiest to Make, and they disappear faster than I can say “dinner is ready”? What is the best meatball?
What are the benefits of baked chicken ribs?
What is the best way to serve Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs? I’m using ground chicken to keep things lean and adding ricotta cheese for a burst of creamy, we’re using Ground Chicken for the recipe. What is melt-in What are the best ways to cook a chicken without oil? Is this a healthier version of the dish we grew up with? But still comforting and satisfying. What are baked chicken ricotta meatballs?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? First, the flavorThe combination of savory chicken, the creamy ricotta, and the aromatic herbs is just…*chef’s food! What I love most about this is that it’s surprisingly good.simpleIs ricotta filling easier than you think? Plus, it’s incrediblycost-efficient. Ground chicken is often cheaper than ground beef, and ricotta is a pantry staple for me. What is the most important thing in life?versatilityWhat really makes this recipe shine? You can serve these meatballs with pasta, sandwich, pizza, or just on their own. What are some good weeknight dinner ideas? If you like my Italian Herb Chicken Recipe, you’ll definitely love this. What are some good ways to eat healthy but don’t want to miss out on delicious food?
How to Make Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Quick Overview
Making these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs is a breeze! You’ll start by mixing the chicken with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. Then, you’ll create a little pocket in each meatball and stuff it with creamy ricotta. Finally, you’ll bake them until golden brown and cooked through. The best part? No messy frying! It’s a simple, straightforward process that delivers amazing results every time.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
* 1.5 lbs ground chicken – I prefer using organic, but any ground chicken will work.
* 1 cup breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs work best for a light, airy texture.
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always better!
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds a bright, fresh flavor.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic!
* 1 large egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For that classic Italian flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground is best.
* 1/4 cup milk – Keeps the meatballs moist.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – For drizzling over the meatballs before baking.
For the Ricotta Filling:
* 1 cup ricotta cheese – Whole milk ricotta is creamier, but part-skim works too.
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Again, freshly grated is preferred.
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Adds a touch of freshness.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
* 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper – A little goes a long way.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. What is the best way to clean meatballs? I always do this before I even start mixing the ingredients, so the oven is ready to go when I am.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meatballs.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated into the milk. I usually use a fork for this, but I like to use whisks. If the egg is too cold, it won’t mix in properly, so let it sit out for a few minutes before using.
Step 4: Combine
What are the wet ingredients? Mix well. Then add the ground chicken. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough. This is a crucial step, so pay attention to the texture of the mixture.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside. How do you mix until smooth and creamy? I like to add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes to my salad.
Step 6: Form Meatballs & Add Filling
How do you make a ball of chicken mixture? Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center. Fill the indentation with about a teaspoon of the ricotta mixture. Gently close the meatball around the filling, making sure it’s sealed. What is the best way to do this step?
Step 7: Bake
What is the best way to cook meatballs? Put them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I always check with a meat thermometer to make sure they’re fully cooked.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the ricotta filling to set up slightly. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, on a sandwich, or on their own. What are some good ways to serve them over spaghetti with marinara sauce?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are the possibilities? What are some of the best ways to serve Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs?What is a classic dinner? Serve them with spaghetti and marinara sauce, a side of garlic bread, and a simple salad. My kids love this combination.
In a Sandwich:How do you serve hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce? What is a good meatball sub What is a great lunch?On a Pizza:What are some good ways to serve meatballs on a pizza? What is the best way to add a savory element to pizza?As an Appetizer:Serve them on their own with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. What are some good ideas for a party? What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted vegetables? What makes for a healthy meal?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
I’ve learned a few tricks to make these meatballs absolutely perfect.Don’t overmix the chicken mixture.Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.What is the best ricotta cheese to. The better the ricotta, the creamier and more flavorful the filling will be. I always splurge on the good stuff for this recipe.
When filling the meatballs, make sure to seal them tightly. This prevents the ricotta filling from leaking out during baking. I learned this the hard way after a few messy batches.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.Overcrowding can cause meatballs to steam instead of baking, resulting in a less crispy exterior. Is it necessary to bake in batches?let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the ricotta filling to set up slightly, making them easier to handle. You can also use Italian sausage for a stronger flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs store beautifully.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can start to grow, which is never a good thing.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, simply bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they might not be as crispy. I usually add them to sauce and let them simmer for a bit to reheat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them to your family on a weeknight or bringing them to a potluck, they’re sure to be a hit. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their arsenal. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Baked Feta Pasta recipe! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken Lean ground chicken works best
- 0.5 cup Ricotta Cheese Part-skim or whole milk
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
- 0.25 cup Breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
- 1 Egg Lightly beaten
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Serve immediately with your favorite pasta sauce and pasta.
