Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden, juicy chicken meatballs bursting with authentic Italian flavors - without the guilt of deep frying! These baked Italian chicken meatballs are about to revolutionize your dinner routine, offering a healthier twist on a classic comfort food that will have your entire family begging for seconds. Packed with aromatic herbs, parmesan cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs are so delectable, you'll forget they're actually good for you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. Make sure to use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon until well combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 cup of marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. You can add additional herbs or spices to the sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the meatballs topped with the warm marinara sauce, and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious baked Italian chicken meatballs with pasta, on a sub, or as an appetizer!
Tips
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the most tender texture - they absorb moisture better than dried ones.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can make your meatballs tough and dense.
- Use a light touch when forming meatballs to keep them light and fluffy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to help them retain their juiciness.
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
