Zesty Ground Chicken Meatballs

$To make delicious ground chicken meatballs, gather these key items: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) These ingredients come together to create a tasty meatball that is juicy and full of flavor. Feel free to play with these extras to make your meatballs unique: - Spicy marinara sauce for serving - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano - Different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta These options let you adjust the flavor to match your taste. Each serving of these meatballs offers balanced nutrition: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 20g - Fat: 12g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 300mg This meal is not only tasty but also gives good nutrition. Enjoy making these ground chicken meatballs! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Crack in 1 egg, then stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This can make your meatballs tough. Now it’s time to shape your meatballs. Use your hands to form small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. You should get around 20 meatballs from this mix. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs. Brown them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they look golden. After browning, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the meatballs are golden, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Once cooked, remove them from the oven. Serve hot, perhaps with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce, or enjoy them plain! To boost flavor, add herbs like basil or thyme. Spices like cumin or chili flakes work well too. You can mix in grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture. Using fresh garlic makes a big difference. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Use ground chicken with some fat for juiciness. Adding an egg helps bind without making them dense. Keep your hands wet when shaping to prevent sticking. These meatballs pair well with spicy marinara sauce. Try serving them over pasta or in a sub. For a lighter option, serve with a salad or roasted veggies. They also taste great in a wrap with fresh greens. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish’s appearance. Feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture gently. Perfect Size: Aim for uniform meatballs around 1-1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your meatballs. For an Italian twist, add herbs like basil, oregano, and a bit of red pepper flakes. Use marinara sauce for serving. If you want an Asian flavor, mix in ginger, scallions, and sesame oil. Serve with soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a fun dip. Ground chicken is very versatile. You can use it in meatloaf for a lighter option. Just swap it in your favorite meatloaf recipe. You can also add ground chicken to stir-fry dishes. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Toss it with veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick meal. You can cook your meatballs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just form the meatballs and place them on a preheated grill. Air frying is another great option. It cooks them evenly and keeps them crispy outside. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Both methods give tasty results! To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze cooked meatballs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Cooked meatballs last three days in the fridge. Uncooked meatballs can stay fresh for one day. For longer storage, freeze them right away. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey works well too. You can also try beef or pork. Each type of meat will add a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change slightly. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The meat should be white and not pink. Ground chicken meatballs go well with many sides. Try serving them with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in a sub sandwich with cheese. We covered essential ingredients and how to make tasty ground chicken meatballs. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, forming, and cooking them perfectly. Tips helped you avoid tough meatballs, and we explored fun variations and storage methods. Now, you have the tools to create flavorful meals and share them with others. Enjoy your cooking journey and don't hesitate to try new flavors and ideas.$

Delicious and flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 unit egg
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
optional spicy marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix all the ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix as it can make the meatballs tough.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20 meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Serve the meatballs hot with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce if desired, or simply enjoy them as they are!

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, meatballs