These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are incredibly juicy and tender, thanks to the addition of creamy ricotta cheese. Packed with Italian herbs and flavors, they make a delicious main dish or can be served as an appetizer. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or on their own!
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken 🍗
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️ (for frying, optional)
- Marinara sauce (optional) 🍅
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- Combine the ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Mix well:
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
- Form the meatballs:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should get about 15-18 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Option 1: Pan-frying
- Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Fry the meatballs:
- Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes total). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Baking
- Bake the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Serve:
- Serve with sauce:
- If desired, warm some marinara sauce in a pan and add the cooked meatballs to simmer for a few minutes. Serve them over pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with a side of sauce.
- Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation!
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 30-35 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per serving (without sauce)
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are soft, juicy, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta or serving as a delicious appetizer! 🍗🧀🍝