Imagine a dish that combines the freshness of herbs, the tenderness of chicken, and a luxurious lemon cream sauce that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen. These Spinach Basil Chicken Meatballs are not just another dinner recipe—they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, chopped basil, breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to create about 16-18 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with olive oil. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating gently to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, add lemon zest and lemon juice. Whisk together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the cream sauce for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the lemon cream sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly wet when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking and ensure smooth, uniform shapes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of meatballs—165°F is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking meatballs. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs lightly before mixing them into the meatball mixture.
- If the cream sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or pasta water.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference—try to use fresh basil and spinach instead of dried alternatives for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 145mg
