Delve into the heart of Italy with this recipe for succulent, tender, and incredibly flavorful Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs. This dish is simple to make yet packed with a savory punch, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide, complete with a FAQ section for all your meatball-making queries.
Ingredients
For the perfect Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until well combined but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the meatballs from the oven, spoon some marinara sauce over each meatball, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken? A: Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftover meatballs? A: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking? A: While this recipe calls for baking, you can certainly fry the meatballs in a pan with a bit of olive oil until they’re browned and cooked through.
Q: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Just substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
This Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs recipe offers a hearty and delicious taste of Italy in the comfort of your own kitchen. Serve them with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer – they’re sure to be a hit no matter how you choose to enjoy them.