Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Craving Italian comfort food with a lighter twist? These Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs deliver juicy, tender bites packed with flavor—all without the fuss of frying. With creamy ricotta folded into lean ground chicken, this recipe creates exceptionally moist meatballs that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining, this dish proves that wholesome can be utterly delicious.
Deliciously Unique Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
What sets these meatballs apart is the secret ingredient: ricotta cheese. The addition of ricotta ensures each bite remains soft and full of rich, cheesy flavor, while baking eliminates excess oil and makes prep a breeze. Whether served over pasta, tucked into subs, or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are a versatile mainstay you’ll want in your recipe rotation.
Crafting Ultra-Tender Meatballs with Ricotta
To guarantee succulent texture, mix ricotta gently into the chicken mixture—don’t overwork it! This helps avoid dense meatballs and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth bite every time. For added flavor, try incorporating chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan into the mixture.
Baking for Effortless Perfection
Skip the skillet and let your oven do the work. Arranging the meatballs on a lined sheet pan ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. Baking at high heat caramelizes the exterior for great flavor, while the interior stays perfectly light thanks to the ricotta.
Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Pile your meatballs atop spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic meal, or serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a lighter touch. They’re also perfect for meal-prep lunches or as protein-packed snacks. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan just before serving.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 18–20 meatballs, providing 4–5 servings. Each serving contains approximately 220–260 calories (without pasta or sauce), making it a satisfying yet lighter main course option.
Easy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs (Recap)
Pairing the mild flavor of chicken with creamy ricotta transforms basic meatballs into a standout dish that’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and fabulous for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a categorized shopping list—with every ingredient sorted by grocery store section, making meal planning and shopping faster and more organized.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with olive oil spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix with clean hands or a fork until just combined.
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture, rolling each piece gently into a ball. Place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly mist the tops of the meatballs with olive oil spray for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
These chicken ricotta meatballs are ideal for advance prep and busy weeknights. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly build a menu for the week and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists—so you never forget a key ingredient.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically aggregates ingredients across all planned meals for accurate quantities
- Sorts items by grocery department for fast, stress-free shopping
- Prevents duplicate purchases and reduces food waste
- Keeps your weekly menu and prep organized and efficient
Pro tip: Schedule multiple recipes—like these meatballs plus a salad or pasta—and let CookifyAI do the math so you only buy what you need, saving time and money!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes