Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe

These Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful option for a quick and easy meal! Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs packed with Italian herbs and spices, baked to perfection in the oven. This recipe is simple to make and delivers a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even in sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Choice: Made with ground chicken and whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, these meatballs are a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.
• Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of Italian herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious and savory meatball that’s perfect for a variety of dishes.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can easily make a large batch of these meatballs and freeze them for later, making it a convenient option for meal prepping.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Use lean ground chicken (93% lean or higher) for a healthier option.
• Egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together.
• Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light and airy texture to the meatballs.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated and adds a salty and umami flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for frying the meatballs and in the tomato paste mixture.
• Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhances the savory flavors of the meatballs.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat (optional).
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Fresh spinach: Adds a healthy dose of greens and moisture to the meatballs.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, beaten egg, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Finely chop the spinach and add it to the bowl. Mix well with your hands or a fork until all the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs of equal size. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to ensure even cooking.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Brush this mixture over the tops of the meatballs.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve

Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as pasta, zucchini noodles, or a salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use lean ground chicken: For a healthier option, use lean ground chicken (93% lean or higher).
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Evenly sized meatballs: Make sure the meatballs are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

These Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Pasta: Toss the meatballs with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic Italian-American meal.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a healthier and lower-carb option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles with marinara sauce.
• Sandwiches: Use the meatballs to make delicious meatball subs or sliders.
• Appetizer: Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers for easy snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs are great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the meatballs in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you can bake them directly from frozen, increasing the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey would also work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can! However, panko breadcrumbs will give the meatballs a lighter and airier texture.

3. Can I make this recipe without the spinach?
Yes, you can! The spinach adds moisture and nutrients to the meatballs, but you can omit it if you prefer.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the meatballs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as dried herbs, spices, or grated Parmesan cheese.

This Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful and versatile dish. With its easy preparation, endless serving options, and freezer-friendly nature, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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