Chicken Meatballs are a tasty and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or appetizer. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep, these meatballs are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them with a rich tomato sauce, pairing them with pasta, or simply enjoying them on their own, Chicken Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful choice. The tender and juicy meatballs and the savory sauce make for a delightful dining experience.
Chicken Meatballs
Why These Chicken Meatballs Are the Best
- Juicy and Tender: The meatballs are made with ground chicken, ensuring they are juicy and tender.
- Rich Tomato Sauce: The meatballs are served in a thick, vibrant tomato sauce that adds a rich and savory flavor.
- Crispy Exterior: Baked or fried to a golden brown, the meatballs have a slightly crispy exterior.
- Fresh Garnish: Garnished with chopped parsley, the dish looks appealing and adds a burst of freshness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a tasty appetizer, Chicken Meatballs are the perfect choice. The combination of tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Chicken & Egg: Ground chicken as the protein base, with an egg to bind the meatballs for structure.
- Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs & Parmesan Cheese: Breadcrumbs add lightness, while Parmesan enhances flavor with a salty, umami touch.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the meatballs moist and assists in achieving a golden exterior.
- Seasonings: Oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes bring Italian-inspired flavors with a hint of spice.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a concentrated tomato flavor to the meatball mixture, enhancing the overall taste.
- Fresh Spinach & Parsley: Add a fresh, vibrant touch to the meatballs, with parsley for garnish and spinach for extra nutrition.
- Tomato Sauce (for serving): Complements the meatballs, making them flavorful and saucy.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Meatballs
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground chicken and tomatoes.
- Season Generously: Season the meatballs with your favorite herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball mixture just until combined to keep them tender.
- Bake or Fry Evenly: Ensure the meatballs are cooked evenly to achieve a golden brown exterior.
Serving Suggestions
- With Pasta: Serve Chicken Meatballs over a bed of pasta for a hearty meal.
- With Rice: Pair with steamed white or brown rice for a complete dinner.
- With Garlic Bread: Enjoy with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect complement to the rich tomato sauce.
- With a Fresh Salsa: Pair with a fresh salsa for a zesty twist.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Chicken Meatballs. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Chicken Meatballs
Chicken Meatballs are tender and seasoned with classic Italian herbs and spices, while spinach adds a fresh touch. When served with tomato sauce, these meatballs become a perfect comfort food addition to pasta, sub sandwiches, or as a main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 large egg
- ½ Tsp onion powder
- ½ Tsp kosher salt
- 1 Tsp dried oregano
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ¼ Tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste divided
- 3 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- 2 ½ cups fresh spinach lightly packed
- For Serving:Tomato sauce opt.
Instructions
- Position a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add the chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Finely chop the spinach and add it to the bowl.
- Using a fork or your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to pack the meat too tightly.
- Form the mixture into 12 meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish, spacing them 1 inch apart so they don’t touch.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. It may not blend perfectly smooth, but it will bake up just fine. Brush this mixture over the meatballs.
- Bake in the upper third of the oven for 20 minutes, until fully cooked. Serve hot with pasta, zucchini noodles, or as desired!
Notes
TO STORE: Keep cooked and cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
TO REHEAT: To warm leftover refrigerated meatballs, bake them in a preheated 350°F oven until hot and steaming. For frozen meatballs, use 350°F if they're fully cooked or 400°F if they’re not. Place them in a nonstick-coated baking dish and bake from frozen: 25-30 minutes for cooked meatballs or 25-30 minutes for uncooked ones (ensure they reach 160°F).
TO FREEZE: Once baked, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1 hours). Transfer to a zip-top bag, remove excess air, and seal. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs using the same method. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!
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Chicken Meatballs