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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach
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Tender and flavorful baked chicken ricotta meatballs with fresh spinach offer a healthy and comforting meal. Combining lean ground chicken with creamy ricotta, parmesan, and nutrient-rich spinach, these meatballs are easy to prepare, bake to a golden finish, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly portions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Spinach and Aromatics: Finely chop fresh spinach and mince garlic cloves. Lightly sauté the spinach and garlic in a pan over medium heat until just wilted. Remove from heat and let cool to soften texture and mellow garlic flavor.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach and garlic, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands or spoon until all ingredients are thoroughly combined without overworking the meat.
  3. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using your hands or a two-scoop cookie scoop. Arrange them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil. Place meatballs with space between each. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden outside and cooked through internally (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove meatballs from oven and let rest a few minutes to redistribute juices. Serve warm with garnishes or your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid dense texture.
  • Use fresh spinach and good-quality ricotta cheese for best flavor and appearance.
  • Shape meatballs evenly to ensure uniform baking and presentation.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them either uncooked or cooked for easy future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten free meatballs, kid-friendly meatballs

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