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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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