chicken ricotta meatballs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken ricotta meatballs recipe
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The Best chicken ricotta meatballs recipe

I’m so excited to share this chicken ricotta meatballs recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

The combination of juicy chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and the sweetness of the marinara sauce is just perfect. I love serving it at family gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be served as either an appetizer or a main course.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra veggies into your kids – just add some finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the meat mixture and they’ll never even notice! As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make – just mix everything together, shape into balls, and bake until cooked through.

And the best part? It’s actually good for you too – the ricotta adds protein and calcium, while the chicken provides lean protein.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra fiber in your diet from all the whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

4.5 from 1047 votes

These tender chicken ricotta meatballs are moist and flavorful, thanks to the addition of creamy ricotta cheese. Baked in a rich tomato sauce, they make a satisfying weeknight dinner that pairs well with pasta or crusty bread.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5Form the mixture into 1.
5-inch meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden and firm to the touch.
7While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
8Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes.
9Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
10Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
11Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta or with crusty bread.
12Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the Parmesan. The meatballs can also be made ahead and frozen before baking.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Works

This chicken ricotta meatballs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love.

It’s also super versatile – serve it with pasta, rice, or even on its own as an appetizer.

And don’t forget about all the leftovers – simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal later in the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

You can use either part-skim mozzarella or whole milk ricotta cheese for this recipe. I prefer using part-skim mozzarella because it melts better and has a milder flavor. However, if you want a creamier meatball, using whole milk ricotta is the way to go.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – turkey takes about 10-15 minutes longer to cook than chicken.

How do I store leftover meatballs?

You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Can I freeze meatballs before baking?

Yes, you can freeze meatballs before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.

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