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Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs
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These Chicken Meatballs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option bursting with tender juiciness and balanced seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners, packed lunches, or casual meals, they combine lean ground chicken with simple ingredients to create flavorful, moist meatballs that can be customized to any taste and served with pasta, sandwiches, salads, or on their own.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb fresh lean ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute with basil, cilantro, or oregano)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for gooey centers)
  • Grated ginger and a splash of soy sauce (for Asian flair)

Serving Suggestions

  • Marinara sauce or creamy sauce for simmering
  • Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), grated Parmesan, minced garlic and onion, chopped parsley, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined to avoid overworking the meat which can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning gently, until cooked through and golden brown.
  4. Simmer in Sauce (Optional): Transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara or creamy sauce and allow them to cook for an additional 10 minutes to absorb extra flavor before serving.
  5. Alternative Cooking Method – Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and not dense.
  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to create uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  • Cook on medium heat to prevent burning the outside while ensuring the inside is fully cooked.
  • Do not skip the milk and egg as they maintain juiciness.
  • Test one meatball first to check seasoning before shaping the entire batch.
  • Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, quick dinner, healthy meatballs, gluten free chicken meatballs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, lean protein

Find it online: https://withnora.com/chicken-meatballs/