Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

If you’re looking for a tender, juicy, and flavorful meatball recipe, these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are the perfect choice. Made with lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, these meatballs are baked to perfection rather than fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. The addition of ricotta cheese ensures that these meatballs stay incredibly moist and light, while baking them helps reduce excess oil.

Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs are versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for special occasions.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, variations, storage ideas, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe for baked chicken ricotta meatballs that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender: Thanks to ricotta cheese, these meatballs stay incredibly soft and juicy.
• Healthier alternative: Baked instead of fried, these meatballs contain less oil while still being flavorful.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a no-fail recipe.
• Versatile: Serve with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer.
• Great for meal prep: They store and freeze well, making them perfect for busy schedules.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20 meatballs
• Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

To make these baked chicken ricotta meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Meatball Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Serving (Optional):

• Marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should end up with approximately 20 meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil

Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them develop a golden brown crust while baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra browning, broil the meatballs for the last 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with marinara sauce, pasta, or as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Ingredient Background

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that’s mild in flavor, allowing the herbs and cheese to shine.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creaminess to the meatballs, preventing them from drying out.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, panko helps maintain a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: Essential aromatics that deepen the flavor profile.
• Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil add a classic Italian touch.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together.
• Olive Oil: Adds a slight richness and helps with browning.

Technique Tips

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
• Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform-sized meatballs, which cook evenly.
• Brush with oil: This helps achieve a golden-brown exterior without frying.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Meatball Sub: Serve in a toasted sub roll with marinara and melted mozzarella.
• Over Pasta: Classic spaghetti and meatballs with extra Parmesan.
• Appetizer Style: Serve on skewers with marinara dipping sauce.
• Over Polenta: Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with these meatballs.

Additional Tips for Success

• Chill the mixture: If the meatball mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Use fresh herbs: If available, fresh oregano and basil will enhance the flavor even more.
• Make ahead: Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Cheese-Stuffed: Insert a small mozzarella cube in the center before rolling.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place baked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave until heated through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use ground turkey: A leaner alternative to chicken.
• Reduce cheese: Use part-skim ricotta and Parmesan for fewer calories.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Party: Serve with gourmet pasta and a fresh salad.
• Game Night: Offer as sliders in mini buns with melted provolone.
• Potluck: Keep warm in a slow cooker with marinara sauce.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet – Essential for baking the meatballs evenly.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Meat Thermometer – Ensures perfectly cooked meatballs every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and maintains a similar texture.

2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Oven heating at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes is ideal for maintaining texture.

4. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

5. Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
While ricotta makes them extra moist, you can substitute cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

6. How do I prevent them from becoming dry?
Using ricotta and not overbaking will keep them juicy.

7. Can I air-fry these meatballs?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

8. What sauces go well with these meatballs?
Marinara, pesto, Alfredo, or even BBQ sauce work great.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a game-changer when it comes to achieving the perfect balance of tenderness, flavor, and health-conscious cooking. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, these meatballs offer versatility, ease, and incredible taste. The combination of ground chicken and ricotta creates an exceptionally moist texture, while Parmesan and Italian herbs add layers of depth and richness.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can follow the step-by-step instructions to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The ingredients are easy to find, the preparation is straightforward, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. By baking the meatballs instead of frying them, you eliminate excess oil while still achieving a beautiful golden brown exterior. This method not only makes the dish healthier but also simplifies the cooking process—no standing over a hot stove or dealing with messy splatters.

Another great aspect of this recipe is its adaptability. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference, swap out the ground chicken for turkey, or add a hint of spice with extra red pepper flakes. If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can experiment with cottage cheese, feta, or even a bit of shredded mozzarella for a gooey surprise in the center. The possibilities are endless, and this recipe serves as an excellent base for your own culinary creativity.

Beyond their incredible taste and texture, these meatballs are perfect for meal prep. If you lead a busy lifestyle, you’ll love how easy it is to make a batch and store them in the fridge or freezer. They reheat beautifully, making them ideal for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or even last-minute gatherings. Pair them with pasta, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

When it comes to special occasions, these meatballs shine just as much as they do for everyday meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a game night, or a festive holiday meal, serving these meatballs with a delicious homemade marinara sauce and fresh basil will impress your guests. For casual gatherings, you can present them as appetizers with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce, making them easy to enjoy without utensils.

These meatballs also fit into various dietary preferences and health-conscious eating plans. If you’re watching your calorie intake, using ground chicken instead of beef helps reduce fat while still providing a high-protein option. The use of ricotta cheese ensures they remain soft without needing excessive oil or butter. Plus, with simple modifications, such as using gluten-free breadcrumbs or reducing the cheese content, you can make this dish even more aligned with specific dietary needs.

At the end of the day, the best meals are those that bring comfort, flavor, and nourishment—all of which these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs provide. They’re delicious, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is one that you’ll come back to time and time again. Give it a try today, and experience the joy of perfectly baked, juicy, and flavorful meatballs that everyone will love!