Bake Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with tender ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and savory Parmesan, topped with herbs and garlic for extra burst of taste. Healthier version of the classic, toasted to a golden crispy finish. Great for marinating along with marinara sauce on pasta, or just with roasted veggies – an exciting, fabulous meal option of which many family members will be proud!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are really a keeper when it comes to quick and speedy, highly-tasting dinners. The very tender and juicy consistency comes from all that oozing creamy ricotta. Vents with every bite savory good flavors thanks to the lovely Parmesan and fresh herbs. Baked to beautiful goudan perfection, they’re darker in color than fried counterparts, healthier, and much easier to cook. Be it either with marinara sauce, over pasta, or even a snack, these meatballs are so versatile and oh-so-yummy, anyone would want to please their whole family.
Key Ingredients
Ground chicken forms the base of the meatballs, being lean yet flavorful. It can be replaced by ground turkey for similarly textured meatballs.
Ricotta: Moist and tender meatballs are guaranteed to be driest with the secret of its creamy texture.
Parmesan: Giving the chicken a nutty, savory flavor, and used freshly grated for best results.
Breadcrumbs: Binds up the mixture while keeping the meatballs on the light side; a little bit of an added crunch comes by using panko breadcrumbs instead.
Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatballs together.
Garlic-and-Herb: Fresh garlic, parsley, and oregano provide depth and aroma to the meatballs-Roberta Basil or thyme would also give readers a nice twist.
Salt and black pepper: obviously the basic spices that all other flavors enjoy in this recipe.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the following ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything together until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
Serve the baked chicken meatballs with:
Marinara sauce for dipping
Over pasta for a hearty meal
As a side dish with your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables
Serving Suggestions
These baked chicken ricotta meatballs go well with several dishes, so:
Classic Marinara: Place meatballs in a plate full of marinara sauce, then serve them together with either spaghetti or linguine for an easy Italian-inspired dish.
Appetizer: Platter with toothpicks and a side of marinara or garlic aioli.
Snack: You have meatballs right there. Meal Prep: Simple salad or roasted vegetables will now complete the healthy, lighter meal.
Meatball Subs: Stuff a hoagie roll with the meatballs and top with the marinara and melted mozzarella. Toast it for a nice sandwich.
To add that fresh flavor, toss over some chopped parsley or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration
After you’ve made a few leftover meatballs, put them in airtight containers in the fridge for about 4 days.
Freezing
Place them on a baking sheet to freeze the already cooked meatballs until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, or you can put those in a bag. They will stay nice for up to three months. To reheat them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs in a skillet with marinara sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes, or microwave on medium power until warmed.
Variations
Taste Bud Sizzler: For a zing, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or minced chilies for zing.
Cheesy Center: A small cube of mozzarella can be stuffed into the center of each meatball, giving them a gooey-cheesy surprise.
Herb Change: For substituting parsley and oregano, use fresh basil or thyme.
Low Carb: Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make them keto-friendly.
Turkey Meatballs: Instead of chicken, you can opt for turkey for the same flavor with a lower health factor.
Conclusion
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a deliciously simple way to elevate your weeknight dinner game. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they’re a healthier twist on traditional meatballs that everyone will love. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try them tonight—you’ll be hooked!
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce for dipping, over pasta for a hearty meal, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced dish.
