Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

There’s something about meatballs that feels like a warm hug after a long day, right? Especially when you make them extra special with creamy ricotta and a crispy topping. Let me tell you, these ricotta meatballs are next-level comfort food! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, these meatballs check all the boxes. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and the creamy ricotta takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.

I first came across this recipe during a busy week when I needed a quick dinner that would please both the kids and adults. The idea of adding ricotta into meatballs seemed too good to be true—rich, creamy, and comforting, with just a touch of crispy texture on top. After making them once, they quickly became a family favorite. My kids gobble them up faster than I can make them! They’ve even become a go-to for casual dinner parties because they’re so easy to prepare yet feel fancy enough to impress guests.

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can make them in advance, freeze them for later, and serve them in so many different ways. I can guarantee that these creamy ricotta meatballs will become a staple in your home. So, let’s dive in and make the magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these creamy ricotta meatballs are a must-try:

Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a meal ready in no time. These meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these. The creamy ricotta keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful, while the crispy topping adds just the right amount of texture. It’s comfort food that’s guaranteed to please everyone.
Rich in flavor: The combination of ricotta and herbs creates a creamy, savory base that’s perfectly balanced by the crispy breadcrumb topping. Each bite is a delicious blend of soft, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs with a satisfying crunch on top.
Versatile: You can serve these meatballs with pasta, on a sub roll, or even on their own with a side salad. There’s no wrong way to enjoy them!

Trust me, these meatballs will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion. The texture is just perfect—creamy on the inside, with that irresistible crispy crunch on top. It’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to again and again!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Serves 4-6 people (about 18-20 meatballs)
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 400
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 22g

Ingredients

To make these creamy ricotta meatballs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or chicken: This forms the base of your meatballs. You can also use a blend of turkey and beef for a leaner option.
1 cup ricotta cheese, drained: The star of the show! The ricotta adds a creamy richness that keeps the meatballs tender.
1 large egg: To bind everything together and add richness.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For the crispy topping and to help absorb some of the moisture from the ricotta.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A little cheese for extra flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the meatballs that savory aroma.
2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs make a world of difference, giving the meatballs a pop of flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to bring everything together.
1 tbsp olive oil: For cooking the meatballs in the pan to get them golden brown.

Optional for the topping:

1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Toasted for a crunchy finish!
Extra Parmesan cheese: For that extra cheesy, crispy goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the meatballs don’t stick.
Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or your preferred meat) with the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. You can use your hands for this, but make sure not to overwork the mixture—just mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Don’t worry if the mixture feels a bit soft; that’s totally fine!
Form the meatballs: Using your hands, gently form the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls (roughly 1.5 inches in diameter). Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. You should get around 18-20 meatballs depending on size.
Add the crispy topping: In a small bowl, mix the extra breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of each meatball. This will give them that irresistible crispy crust.
Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for chicken.
Optional broil for extra crispiness: If you want an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Rest the meatballs: Once they’re done, take the meatballs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

Classic Spaghetti: Serve these meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Meatball Subs: Place them in a toasted sub roll, drizzle with marinara, and top with extra cheese for a hearty sandwich.
Side Salad: Pair them with a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon for a light, refreshing contrast.
Mashed Potatoes: These meatballs are fantastic when served alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling meal.

Additional Tips

Drain the ricotta: Ricotta is often too watery, which can make your meatballs soggy. To avoid this, place it in a fine mesh strainer for 15-20 minutes before using it.
Use fresh breadcrumbs: If you have fresh bread, pulse it in a food processor to make your own breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, toast them lightly in the oven or a skillet before sprinkling on top of the meatballs.
Don’t overmix: When forming the meatball mixture, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, and nobody wants that.
Baking vs. frying: If you want a lighter version, bake the meatballs instead of frying them. However, for extra crispy edges, pan-fry them in a bit of olive oil before baking.
Let them rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, so they stay tender and flavorful.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. This keeps the meatball texture intact while making it plant-based.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute almond flour for the topping to make these meatballs gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of basil, try rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile. These herbs pair wonderfully with the richness of the ricotta.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: These meatballs are perfect with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also serve them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple, tangy arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Wine Pairings: A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied red like Chianti pairs beautifully with these meatballs. If you’re serving them in a sandwich, a cold beer is a great option!
For Kids: Serve the meatballs over buttered noodles or in soft dinner rolls for a kid-friendly dinner they’ll love.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: A wire rack allows air to circulate around the meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for draining excess moisture from the ricotta so your meatballs don’t end up soggy.
Broiler: Optional, but if you want a super-crispy topping, broiling for the last 2 minutes of baking works wonders.

FAQ Section

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, making this an excellent dish for meal prep or hosting a gathering. For the chicken, you can batter and fry the pieces, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get it crispy again. The sauce can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge—just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, baking the chicken works just as well. Coat the chicken pieces in the batter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for even cooking. While the texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying, it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice in Bang Bang Chicken is totally adjustable. The sriracha adds a nice kick, but it’s the sweet chili sauce that brings the most flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just one tablespoon of sriracha and taste the sauce before adding more. You can also omit the sriracha entirely for a milder version.
Can I use a different sauce for Bang Bang Chicken?
While the classic Bang Bang sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, you can experiment with different sauces! Try a honey mustard sauce or a creamy garlic parmesan sauce for a different flavor profile. The crispy chicken will still be fantastic with a variety of dips.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! They’re slightly juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, and they hold up well in the batter. If you use thighs, just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces, and adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side when frying).

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and so flavorful that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for guests at a party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it versatile enough for everyone at the table.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Don’t forget to try out the variations and let your creativity shine! And, of course, if you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your pictures or thoughts on social media, or leave a comment below I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Happy cooking! I’m sure you’re going to love every crispy, saucy bite of this Bang Bang Chicken!