Description
a perfect blend of lean chicken and creamy ricotta for a tender, flavorful bite. These Italian-inspired meatballs are healthy, juicy, and easy to make. Serve them as an appetizer, with pasta, or in marinara sauce for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (1 lb) ground chicken
- 120 g (½ cup) fresh ricotta cheese
- 60 g (½ cup) breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 25 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 g (2 tbsp) fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 g (1 tbsp) fresh basil, chopped
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt
- 2 g (½ tsp) black pepper
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Crack in the egg and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
- Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs using your hands or a small scoop.
- Choose your cooking method
- Baking: Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Simmering: Add meatballs to a simmering marinara sauce and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Serve hot with pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a sandwich filling.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest or red pepper flakes. These meatballs can also be pan-fried or simmered in sauce for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, ricotta, meatballs, healthy, Italian