Chicken meatballs—what a delightful culinary paradox. I mean, they’re like little flavor-packed orbs of joy. Imagine biting into one, and it’s a burst of savory goodness, just like a cozy hug on a rainy day. And honestly, who doesn’t need more cozy hugs?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and applying a light coat of cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of olive oil (optional), 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into approximately 30 small meatballs by rolling it in your hands. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the meatballs are nicely browned and cooked through.
- Once done, serve the meatballs as desired. They pair well with pasta, sauces, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of ground chicken. The dark meat ground turkey available at Whole Foods works particularly well.
- Why do you use garlic and onion powder instead of fresh garlic and onions?
- Garlic and onion powder are used to keep the meatballs smooth and free from chunks. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can certainly use finely minced fresh garlic and onions.
- What is the sauce shown with the meatballs?
- The sauce in the photo is a store-bought vodka sauce from DeLallo, which is delicious. A romesco sauce would also complement the meatballs beautifully.
- Can these meatballs be used for traditional spaghetti and meatballs?
- Absolutely! Bake the meatballs first, then simmer them in your choice of spaghetti sauce. They pair perfectly with pasta for a classic meal.
- How do I prepare these meatballs as a freezer meal?
- You can bake the meatballs before freezing them (at 400 degrees for 20 minutes) so they are fully cooked and ready to reheat. When baking from frozen, cook at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Tips
- For a better texture, consider using dark meat ground turkey instead of chicken, which can provide a richer flavor and more moisture to the meatballs.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, finely mince fresh garlic and onions instead of using garlic and onion powders. This adds a fresh burst of flavor to your meatballs.
- To achieve a beautifully browned exterior, bake the meatballs as directed, and if desired, finish them off with a quick sauté in a pan for extra crispiness.
- For a convenient meal-prep option, bake and freeze the meatballs. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat from frozen at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – A good quality baking sheet for baking the meatballs.
- Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – Used to line the baking sheet.
- Cooking Spray – To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the foil or baking sheet.
