Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent? Say hello to Parmesan Chicken Turkey Meatballs! This Italian-inspired recipe combines the lean goodness of ground turkey with the rich, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese, creating meatballs that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be well combined but not compacted.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Using clean hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 12-16 meatballs depending on size.
- Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Serve hot with your choice of pasta, marinara sauce, or as part of a salad or sandwich.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overwork the turkey mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Uniform Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form meatballs of uniform size (about
- 5 inches in diameter) to ensure even cooking. This will help them cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Check Temperature: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.
- Resting Time: Allow the meatballs to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking. This step helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful bite every time.
- Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce, toss them in a salad, or even use them in a hearty sandwich for a delicious twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
