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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach
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These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a wholesome and flavorful dish combining lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach. Baked to perfection, they offer a healthy, protein-packed meal or appetizer option that is easy to prepare and versatile in serving. Perfectly golden and moist, these meatballs are an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, or served alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and sautéed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs for gluten-free option)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Rinse fresh spinach leaves thoroughly, then sauté them lightly in a nonstick pan over medium heat until wilted. Allow the spinach to cool, then finely chop to ensure even distribution in the meatball mixture.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, minced garlic, minced onion, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into even meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent cooking.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or place them on a lightly greased rack to allow heat circulation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through to ensure even browning, until they are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and intensify the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain a tender texture.
  • Use fresh spinach and quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size to ensure even baking.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F internal temperature for safety.
  • Elevate meatballs on a rack during baking to prevent sogginess by allowing air circulation.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach meatballs, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free appetizers, protein-packed meatballs, easy dinner, kid-friendly meatballs

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