Description
These chicken meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender ground chicken mixed with flavorful herbs and cheeses, baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted Italian cheese blend for a saucy, cheesy finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon no-salt added Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound ground chicken
Sauce and Topping
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix these dry ingredients well for even seasoning.
- Add Egg: Crack the large egg into the bowl and mix thoroughly until the mixture is well incorporated and sticky to help bind the meatballs.
- Incorporate Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently mix with the breadcrumb mixture using your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Roll the chicken mixture into small meatballs about 2 tablespoons each and place them evenly spaced in the prepared dish.
- Bake First Half: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set the shape and start cooking through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, carefully flip each meatball, then pour the marinara sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend on top.
- Bake Final Step: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the sauce is hot and simmering.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh ground chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To keep meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the ground chicken with the seasoning mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
