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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach offer a healthy and satisfying meal combining lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach. Baked to perfection for a tender, moist texture, they make a versatile dish perfect for pasta, salads, or as a wholesome weeknight dinner packed with flavor and nutrition.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x

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 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the fresh spinach and mince the garlic and onion to evenly incorporate them into the meatball mixture.
  2. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly, using hands or a spoon, to evenly distribute all components without overmixing.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to form uniform meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
  4. Bake until golden and cooked through: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and turn golden on the outside.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Serve the meatballs immediately with your preferred sides or sauces, such as pasta, zoodles, marinara, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid a dense texture.
  • Use a scoop to form uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  • If your spinach is watery, squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Customize seasonings to your taste by adjusting herbs or adding spices like red pepper flakes.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 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: 110 mg

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