Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these irresistible chicken meatballs that promise to transport you straight to the heart of Italy! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce, perfectly paired with al dente spaghetti - a dish so delicious, it'll have your family begging for seconds before the first bite is even finished. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a flavor-packed journey that combines simplicity with gourmet taste, proving that home cooking can be both easy and incredibly impressive.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Spaghetti pasta
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the chicken mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 12-15 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a light coating of olive oil. Place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating carefully to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- While meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti pasta.
- Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- In a separate saucepan, warm marinara sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the marinara sauce and gently coat them, simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Drain cooked spaghetti and plate, topping with meatballs and extra marinara sauce. Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Tips
- Mixing Technique: When combining ingredients, use your hands instead of a spoon. This helps distribute seasonings more evenly and prevents overmixing, which can make meatballs tough.
- Temperature Matters: Always ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure they brown nicely and cook evenly.
- Moisture is Key: The egg and breadcrumbs help keep your chicken meatballs moist and tender, so don't skip these ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan can elevate the dish from good to restaurant-quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
