Craving something comforting and easy for dinner tonight? These creamy chicken meatballs are just the ticket!
With minimal prep and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dish on the table in no time. Perfect for a cozy night in, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and pair wonderfully with your favorite pasta or salad.
Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil, then lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Combine ground chicken or turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Form the mixture into approximately 30 small meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes until they are cooked through and have a nice browned exterior.
- Serve immediately or let them cool for meal prep; pair with pasta, sauce, or vegetables as desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Additional seasonings, optional
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground turkey for the chicken in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well as ground chicken. I particularly enjoy using dark meat ground turkey, which you can find at places like Whole Foods.
- Why do you choose garlic and onion powder over fresh garlic and onions?
- I prefer using garlic and onion powder for a smoother texture in the meatballs, without chunks. However, if you prefer, you can certainly use finely minced fresh garlic and onions for a similar flavor.
- What sauce is used in the recipe images, and can I make it at home?
- The sauce shown in the images is a store-bought vodka sauce from DeLallo. It’s delicious! Alternatively, a homemade romesco sauce would also be fantastic with these meatballs.
- Are these meatballs suitable for traditional spaghetti and meatballs?
- Yes, they are perfect for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish. I would recommend baking the meatballs first and then letting them simmer in a quality spaghetti sauce.
- Can I prepare these meatballs in advance and freeze them?
- Yes, these meatballs are great for meal prep and can be frozen. You can bake them before freezing, and then reheat them by baking at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes when ready to eat.
Tips
- To ensure the meatballs are perfectly browned, consider finishing them off in a sauté pan after baking. This will give them an extra crispy exterior without compromising their moist interior.
- For a chunk-free texture, opt for garlic and onion powder instead of fresh garlic and onions. This will ensure smooth meatballs, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, finely mince fresh garlic and onions.
- These meatballs are highly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Try them with pasta and sauce, or serve them with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal prep option.
- Make a large batch and freeze them after baking. This allows you to have a ready supply of meatballs for quick meals; just reheat them directly from the freezer at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Cooking Spray (if you don’t already have it)
- Foil for lining the baking sheet
