Description
Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach elevate home cooking to an Italian-inspired culinary experience. Tender herb-infused spheres nestled in rich sauce promise comfort and delightful flavors that will satisfy hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
- ½ cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, finely chopped (or ½ cup (60 grams) thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- ⅓ cup (40 grams) plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and creating a non-stick surface with parchment paper lightly coated in olive oil spray.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine ground chicken with ricotta, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, seasoning, and optional herbs. Mix with a delicate touch, avoiding excessive manipulation to maintain tender texture.
- Craft uniform spherical portions using a cookie scoop or spoon, generating approximately 18-20 consistent meatballs. Arrange these delicate orbs evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing for even heat circulation.
- Delicately mist the meatball surfaces with additional olive oil spray to enhance golden browning and moisture retention.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the meatballs to transform for 20-22 minutes. Monitor until they develop a beautiful golden exterior and reach a safe internal temperature of 165F, guaranteeing thorough cooking and succulent protein integrity.
Notes
- Prevent Dense Texture by gently mixing ingredients, using a light touch to keep meatballs tender and fluffy without compressing the mixture too much.
- Customize Protein Options by substituting ground chicken with turkey or lean ground beef for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
- Enhance Moisture by adding a splash of milk or water if the mixture seems too dry, ensuring juicy and succulent meatballs that won’t crumble during baking.
- Boost Nutrition by incorporating extra vegetables like finely grated zucchini or carrot, which blend seamlessly and increase the dish’s nutrient density without altering the taste significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg