Are you ready to elevate your dinner with a simple and tasty dish? This Chicken Meatballs Supreme recipe combines ground chicken, herbs, and cheese for a flavor-packed meal your family will love. With just a few easy steps, you’ll create juicy meatballs that are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover how to make dinner fun and delicious!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Delicious: These chicken meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs, making them a great option for a health-conscious meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and satisfying meal.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these meatballs with pasta, on a sub, or as an appetizer. They can easily adapt to any occasion or preference!
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served in marinara sauce, these meatballs are a comforting and indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs Supreme
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
These main ingredients give the meatballs their great flavor and texture. Ground chicken is lean and makes a tasty base. Whole wheat breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and add fiber. Parmesan cheese brings a salty bite, while fresh parsley and garlic add a nice herb taste.
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
The additional ingredients are just as important. Marinara sauce helps keep the meatballs moist and adds a rich flavor. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top, giving a creamy finish. Fresh basil leaves not only look great but also add a pop of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs not stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat is best)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix all the ingredients well. Use your hands if you need to. Make sure every bit is blended together. This step is crucial for tasty meatballs.
Shaping and Baking the Meatballs
Now, take the mixture and shape it into meatballs. Aim for about 1.5 inches in size. Place each meatball on the prepared baking tray.
Once all the meatballs are on the tray, slide it into your oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them to be cooked through and slightly browned.
Final Preparation Steps
While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently until it warms up.
When the meatballs finish cooking, remove them from the oven. Carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball in the sauce.
Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Cover the saucepan for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly.
Now, your chicken meatballs supreme are ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs
To make your meatballs just right, focus on texture. Use breadcrumbs as a binding agent. They help hold everything together. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add flavor and nutrition. Mix them well with the ground chicken and other ingredients.
Next, moisture is key to juicy meatballs. The egg acts as a binder and adds moisture. If you find your mixture is dry, add a splash of milk. This small change keeps your meatballs tender and moist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken meatballs supreme with pasta for a classic meal. A side of garlic bread also works well. You can even serve them on a fresh salad for a lighter option.
For a fun twist, make meatball sliders. Use small buns and add cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color. This makes for an eye-catching presentation. Enjoy your meal with family or friends!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the meatballs. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme for even more variety.
- Moisture Matters: To keep the meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the meat and breadcrumbs. Just combine until ingredients are mixed, and then shape.
- Cheese Variations: Try swapping out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add some feta for a tangy kick. It can elevate the taste significantly!
- Perfect Pairing: Serve these meatballs on a bed of zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta for a healthier, delicious meal.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap ground chicken with other meats. Ground turkey works well and tastes great. For a richer flavor, use ground beef. You can even try a mix for added depth.
Flavors can change with herbs and spices. Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a twist. Experiment with smoked paprika for a warm, earthy taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like spice.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour is another good choice. It keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful.
For low-carb options, skip the breadcrumbs. Instead, use grated zucchini or mushrooms to bind the meatballs. This keeps them light and healthy without losing taste.
Storage Info
How to Store Uncooked Meatballs
To store uncooked meatballs, follow these steps:
- Refrigeration: Place the meatballs on a plate or tray. Cover them with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps them fresh and ready to cook.
- Freezing: For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container. Lay the meatballs in a single layer. Freeze them for about 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove air to prevent freezer burn. You can keep them frozen for up to three months.
These steps help maintain freshness and flavor.
Storing Cooked Meatballs
After cooking, store your meatballs correctly to keep them tasty:
- Storage Containers: Use airtight containers for cooked meatballs. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are cool before sealing. This prevents steam and moisture buildup.
- Reheating Tips: When ready to eat, reheat your meatballs gently. Use a microwave or a skillet. For the best flavor and texture, add a splash of marinara sauce while reheating. This keeps them moist and enhances the taste.
Following these tips makes your chicken meatballs supreme easy to enjoy later!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for meatballs. Here are some best practices:
- Thaw before use: Always thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the meat safe.
- Use fresh ingredients: Combine thawed chicken with fresh breadcrumbs and herbs for better flavor.
- Adjust cooking time: If the chicken is still slightly cold, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To check if the meatballs are done, look for these signs:
- Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Visual cues: The meatballs should be golden brown outside and firm to the touch.
What sauce can I use besides marinara?
There are many tasty sauce options for chicken meatballs supreme:
- Alfredo sauce: Creamy and rich, it pairs well with the meatballs.
- Pesto sauce: Gives a fresh and herby flavor.
- Barbecue sauce: For a sweet and smoky twist.
- Teriyaki sauce: A fun Asian flair that complements the chicken.
Exploring these sauces can add variety to your meals!
In this post, we explored how to make Chicken Meatballs Supreme. You learned about key ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, shaping, and baking the meatballs. We discussed tips for optimal texture and creative serving ideas. You can even vary your recipe with different flavors and dietary needs. Lastly, I offered storage advice for fresh meatballs. With this knowledge, you can enjoy making these tasty meatballs at home. Dive in and experiment to find your favorite versio
Chicken Meatballs Supreme
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 unit egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste unit fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and cover the saucepan for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Serve the chicken meatballs supreme warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
