Index
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Sauce (Optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.Tip: Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking the Chicken Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.Tip: If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Preparing the Sauce (Optional)
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combining Meatballs and Sauce
- Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving the Chicken Meatballs
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
Tips and Tricks
Making Ahead
You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help the flavors to develop and make meal prep easier.
Freezing Meatballs
Uncooked meatballs can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Alternatively, cooked meatballs can also be frozen and reheated in sauce.
Adding Extra Flavor
For a different flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken meatballs with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They can also be served as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping in sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 per serving (not including pasta)
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g