Baked Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs

Servings: 4 servings (makes about 20 meatballs)

Time:

Ingredients:

14 ounces (400g) broccolini, rough stems trimmed and thick pieces cut lengthwise

1 lemon, ends trimmed and thinly sliced

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more if desired

1 large egg

2 garlic cloves, grated

¾ cup ricotta cheese, drained and lightly salted

½ cup parsley leaves and fine stems, roughly chopped

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat

Juice of 1 lemon

Grated Parmesan, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. On a baking sheet, toss the broccoli and lemon slices with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt, pepper and the red pepper flakes. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and set aside while you make the meatballs.

3. Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, beat the egg, then add the garlic, ricotta, 1 teaspoon salt, parsley, pepper, the rest of the oil, breadcrumbs and meat, and use your hands to gently combine it (too much mushing will make them tough and dry). You should still see pieces of the meat through the seasonings. Lightly wet your hands with water or oil and roll the meat into twenty loose—not tightly packed—rounds, slightly smaller than golf balls, using a gentle rolling motion between your hands (the water will keep them from sticking to your hands). Set on large pieces of baking parchment on the counter to make for an easier clean up.

4. Nestle the meatballs on the baking sheet in between the broccoli and lemon. Bake until the meatballs are browned and cooked through and the broccoli is crispy, 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the baking sheet to move the meatballs and turning the tray around halfway to ensure even cooking.

5. Remove from the oven, squeeze the lemon juice on top and divide between plates. Finish with grated Parmesan, if using.