Heavenly Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach dance with delightful Mediterranean flavors that seduce every taste bud.

These protein-packed spheres blend creamy ricotta and fresh spinach into a mouthwatering combination.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through rich, balanced seasonings.

Lean ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.

Packed with nutrition and incredible taste, these meatballs work perfectly as a main course or appetizer.

The secret lies in carefully selecting fresh ingredients and mixing them with precision.

Serve these irresistible morsels alongside pasta, in a sandwich, or atop a crisp salad for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that provides a lighter alternative to beef, choose fresh and high-quality meat for best texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy moisture and richness, select smooth and fresh ricotta for superior meatball tenderness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty depth to complement chicken's mild taste, opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Provides robust aromatic punch, use fresh cloves for more intense flavor profile.
• Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herbaceous notes, dried herbs work best for consistent seasoning.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold meatballs together and creates light, tender structure, use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to prevent crumbling, choose fresh room temperature eggs.

• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritional benefits, fresh or frozen spinach work equally well.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for best results.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, fresh layer of complexity, mix and match herbs like parsley or basil for personalized touch.

Tools You’ll Need For Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Perfect for creating uniform, evenly-sized meatballs.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing meatballs a breeze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Olive Oil Spray: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the meatballs.

Step-By-Step Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Guide

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give the sheet a quick spritz of olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Create the Meatball Mix

Dive into a large bowl and blend ground chicken, ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Stir gently – don’t go crazy mixing or you’ll end up with tough meatballs.

• Shape Your Morsels

Grab a cookie scoop or spoon and craft bite-sized meatballs. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little breathing room between each one.

• Bake to Perfection

Give the meatballs a light olive oil shower and slide them into the hot oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Tips And Swaps For Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator before baking for maximum convenience and time-saving.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond meal for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
• Veggie Boost: Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or finely chopped broccoli to add different nutrients and create exciting flavor variations.
• Protein Power: For high-protein diets, increase Parmesan cheese or add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to enhance muscle-building potential.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Bake meatballs completely, cool, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals or meal prep.

How To Serve Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach

• Dinner Plate Perfection: Serve these juicy chicken ricotta meatballs over a bed of warm pasta like linguine or spaghetti, topped with fresh marinara sauce and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a colorful spread with the meatballs as the centerpiece, surrounded by tzatziki, hummus, olives, cucumber salad, and warm pita bread for a delightful sharing experience.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Transform these meatballs into a protein-packed salad by placing them over mixed greens, adding cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, nutritious meal.
• Family-Style Appetizer: Arrange the meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks, serve alongside a zesty dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy marinara, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.

Plan Ahead And Store Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach

• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Form meatballs ahead of time and store them unbaked in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, saving precious weeknight cooking time.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Frozen meatballs stay delicious for 3 months and can be reheated directly from frozen at 350F for 15-20 minutes.
• Leftover Love: Store cooked meatballs in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325F for 10 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Smart Serving Suggestions: Pair with pasta, zucchini noodles, or mixed green salads. Crumble cold meatballs over grain bowls or stuff into sandwiches for quick lunch transformations that keep meals exciting and prevent food waste.

Succulent Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent baked chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach blend Italian comfort and wholesome nutrition perfectly. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a light, flavorful dish you’ll savor with genuine pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
• ½ cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) breadcrumbs, plain
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup (30 grams) spinach, fresh, finely chopped (or ½ cup (60 grams) spinach, frozen, thawed, squeezed dry)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp parsley or basil, fresh, chopped (optional)
• olive oil spray (for baking)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper lightly spritzed with olive oil, creating a non-stick cooking surface.
2. Mixing: In a large bowl, tenderly blend ground chicken, ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs. Fold ingredients gently to maintain a light, airy texture without compressing the mixture.
3. Forming and Positioning: Using a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 18-20 uniform meatballs. Distribute them across the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each sphere to ensure even heat circulation and consistent cooking.
4. Roasting: Lightly mist meatballs with olive oil spray to promote golden browning. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-22 minutes, rotating midway if needed. Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F and the exterior turns a rich, appetizing golden brown.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Mixture: Gently mix ingredients to keep meatballs tender and light, avoiding tough, dense texture.
• Consistent Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Moisture Boost Technique: Lightly spray olive oil before baking to achieve golden brown exterior and lock in juiciness.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg