Print

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach
Print Recipe

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach combine lean ground chicken with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach to create a wholesome, moist, and flavorful dish. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this recipe delivers a healthy yet indulgent meal that’s quick, easy, and versatile, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Base

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, diced onion, grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until evenly incorporated.
  3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve and enjoy: Remove meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in juices and enhances flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach to keep the flavor bright and avoid sogginess.
  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to prevent dense meatballs.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Test seasoning by cooking a small sample before baking all meatballs.
  • Let the meatballs rest after baking to maintain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten-free meatballs

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach/