Chicken parmesan meatballs
Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with our Chicken Parm Meatballs! Made with juicy chicken thighs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon zest, these delicious meatballs are perfect for any meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, they pair beautifully with your favorite pasta sauce. Enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free dish that the whole family will love!
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
16 oz chicken thighs1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tbsp garlic
1/2 onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tsp lemon zest
1 cup pasta sauce
Chicken Parm Meatballs are a delightful, healthier take on the classic chicken parmesan dish. By using simple and fresh ingredients like chicken thighs, parmesan cheese, and a variety of seasonings, you can create a delicious meal that feels indulgent without the extra calories. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, these meatballs are both satisfying and nutritious.
Instructions:
- Remove any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into smaller pieces suitable for processing.
- Using a food processor, grind the chicken thighs until they form a coarse mixture. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- To the bowl with ground chicken, add bread crumbs, egg, grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, white pepper, and lemon zest.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You may use your hands or a large spoon for better incorporation.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the pasta sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. You want it warm and ready to coat the meatballs when they come out of the oven.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and pour the warm pasta sauce over them, ensuring each meatball is well-coated.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot over pasta, with a side salad, or as an appetizer.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use ground chicken breast instead of chicken thighs.
- To ensure the meatballs hold together, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping into balls.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, use aged parmesan cheese.
- You can make a double batch and freeze the extras for a quick and easy meal later on.
- If you want a crispy outer layer, try broiling the meatballs for the last few minutes of cooking.
Now that you've prepared your Chicken Parm Meatballs, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthier meal with your loved ones. Serve them over a bed of pasta, a side of roasted vegetables, or even on their own as an appetizer. These meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1.40g
Sugar 3.49g
Fat 16g
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