Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Savory and Simple Dish

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 2 breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 2 black pepper
• 1 4 red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 0 Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Mix the ingredients together until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
5. Once all the meatballs are formed, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they've browned and are cooked through.
6. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
7. Once the meatballs are ready, transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce, gently tossing them to coat.
8. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to absorb the flavors.
9. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.