Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking, if pan-frying)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form the Meatballs
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Cook the Meatballs
- Baking Method: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve with marinara sauce, pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a protein-packed appetizer.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free ricotta and Parmesan or omit them.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Extra Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can enhance the flavor.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Meal Prep
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian, Healthy
