Description
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach offer a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal featuring lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and nutrient-rich spinach baked to juicy perfection. Ideal for a comforting, family-friendly dinner or meal prep, this recipe balances protein and greens in a dish that’s simple, versatile, and time-saving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, rinsed and sautéed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternatives)
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly, then sauté in a pan over medium heat until wilted. Squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly. Roll each portion gently between your palms to shape uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
Notes
- Drain excess moisture from spinach well after cooking to avoid watery meatballs.
- Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and juicy; do not overmix.
- Use a scoop for uniform meatball size to ensure even baking.
- Test cook one meatball first to check seasoning and texture.
- Line baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg