EASY TO COOK

🍗 Juicy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe 🧀

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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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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:

  1. 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

  1. Heat the oil:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  1. 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

  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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! 🍗🧀🍝