Italian Style Chicken Meatballs

Whenever I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is Italian Style Chicken Meatballs. Growing up, my family would gather around the table on Sundays, the aroma of savory meatballs wafting through the air, signaling that something special was about to happen. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a ritual. These meatballs, bursting with flavor and made with love, always brought us closer together. I remember the laughter, the stories shared, and the clinking of forks against plates, all set against the backdrop of our family’s kitchen. Today, I want to share this cherished recipe with you, so you can create those same beautiful moments in your home.

What You Need for Italian Style Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to making Italian Style Chicken Meatballs, the quality of ingredients is key. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect meatball. The mixture of ground chicken and whole wheat breadcrumbs provides a wholesome base, while the cheeses and spices amplify the taste. Fresh ingredients like parsley and spinach not only add flavor but also a burst of color, making the dish even more appealing.

• 1 large egg – Binds all the ingredients together, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
• 1 pound ground chicken – A lean protein source that keeps the dish light and healthy.
• ½ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs – Adds texture and helps keep the meatballs moist.
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese – Provides a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps with browning the meatballs.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – An essential herb that brings an authentic Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses a subtle garlic flavor, complementing the chicken beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Introduces a mild heat that balances the dish nicely.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds richness and acidity for a well-rounded flavor.
• 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley – Freshness that brightens the meatball mixture.
• 2 ½ cups fresh spinach – Adds nutrition and a beautiful green color.
• Tomato sauce – A classic pairing that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Cooked whole wheat pasta, zucchini, or other vegetable noodles – Great options for serving with the meatballs.
• Buns – Ideal for making delicious meatball sandwiches.
• Toothpicks – Perfect for serving as an appetizer.

Cooking Instructions for Italian Style Chicken Meatballs

Making Italian Style Chicken Meatballs is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of delicious meatballs ready to savor in no time.

1. Start by placing a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheating it to 400 degrees F. This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, beat the egg until smooth. It’s the perfect time to add in the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, parsley, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making these meatballs flavorful.

3. Finely chop the spinach into small bits and add it to the mixture. This not only adds flavor but also ensures that the meatballs are packed with nutrients.

4. Now, using a fork or your hands, mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to compact the meat too much; you want the meatballs to be light and fluffy.

5. Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs. Make sure to arrange them in the prepared baking dish about 1 inch apart, so they don’t touch while baking.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. It won’t be perfectly smooth, but that’s okay; this mixture will create a lovely glaze on top.

7. Brush the olive oil and tomato paste mixture over the tops of the meatballs. This step will help them brown beautifully and add more flavor.

8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

9. Once they’re ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, zucchini noodles, or even stuffed in a bun for a delicious sandwich.

Ways to Customize

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your Italian Style Chicken Meatballs, here are some great tips. You can easily mix and match ingredients to create a version that suits your taste.

• Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even finely diced jalapeños to the mixture.
• Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be substituted for oregano to give a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese such as mozzarella for a gooey center or a sharp cheddar for added flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely diced carrots or bell peppers into the mixture to sneak in more vegetables.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb meal.
• Meal Prep Ready: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick weeknight dinner solution.

What to Pair With Italian Style Chicken Meatballs

These delicious Italian Style Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing them with sides and sauces. Here’s a list of ideas to inspire you:

• Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice, topped with a rich tomato sauce.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, use spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a bit of olive oil and garlic.
• Hoagie Rolls: Place in a soft hoagie bun, add marinara sauce and melted cheese for a satisfying meatball sub.
• Fresh Salads: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette pairs beautifully for a well-rounded meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the meal with a side of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the meatballs over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome and filling dish.
• Be Ready for Leftovers: These meatballs also make great leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day!

FAQ

Conclusion

These Italian Style Chicken Meatballs are not just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings family and friends together. With their delightful taste and healthy ingredients, they are bound to become a staple in your home. I encourage you to give them a try—your loved ones will appreciate the effort, and you’ll enjoy the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal. Enjoy the cooking experience and the wonderful memories you’ll create!

Italian Style Chicken Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, these Italian Style Chicken Meatballs are savory, healthy, and super easy to prepare. With a delightful blend of spices and fresh ingredients, they make for the perfect weeknight dinner. Try them tonight for a meal your whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 meatballs

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 large Egg
• 1 pound Ground Chicken I like 93% lean
• ½ cup Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
• 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil divided
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste divided
• 3 tablespoons Flat-Leaf Parsley finely chopped
• 2 ½ cups Fresh Spinach lightly packed
• Tomato Sauce
• Cooked Whole Wheat Pasta, Zucchini, or Other Vegetable Noodles
• Buns for sandwiches
• Toothpicks to serve as an appetizer

Instructions

 

• Start by placing a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheating it to 400 degrees F. This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• In a large bowl, beat the egg until smooth. It’s the perfect time to add in the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, parsley, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making these meatballs flavorful.
• Finely chop the spinach into small bits and add it to the mixture. This not only adds flavor but also ensures that the meatballs are packed with nutrients.
• Now, using a fork or your hands, mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to compact the meat too much; you want the meatballs to be light and fluffy.
• Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs. Make sure to arrange them in the prepared baking dish about 1 inch apart, so they don’t touch while baking.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. It won’t be perfectly smooth, but that’s okay; this mixture will create a lovely glaze on top.
• Brush the olive oil and tomato paste mixture over the tops of the meatballs. This step will help them brown beautifully and add more flavor.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
• Once they're ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, zucchini noodles, or even stuffed in a bun for a delicious sandwich.

Notes

• To Store: Store cooked and cooled leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm leftover refrigerated meatballs in a 350-degree F oven until heated through and steaming. If reheating frozen meatballs, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (if the meatballs are fully cooked) or 400 degrees (if they are not fully cooked). Arrange the meatballs in a baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Then, bake directly from frozen until hot, 20 to 30 minutes for cooked meatballs or 25 to 30 minutes for uncooked meatballs (uncooked meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F).
• To Freeze: After the meatballs have fully baked, let them cool completely. Then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until the meatballs are firm; about 1 to 2 hours. Transfer the frozen chicken meatballs to a ziptop bag. Squish out as much air as possible and seal. You can also freeze the meatballs uncooked, following the same steps above. Frozen cooked or uncooked meatballs may be stored for up to 3 months.

Keyword chicken meatballs, easy dinner recipes, Healthy Meatballs, Italian Meatballs

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.