Craving juicy, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for any occasion? These homemade chicken meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic recipe, offering a lighter yet equally delicious option. Packed with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. They pair perfectly with your favorite tomato or marinara sauce, making them a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
Ingredients List
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 slice white sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White bread), crusts removed and torn into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups tomato or marinara sauce
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing homemade chicken meatballs, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the meatballs evenly.
- Large Skillet: For browning the meatballs before baking.
- Tongs or Spatula: To turn the meatballs while browning them.
- Small Saucepan: To heat the tomato or marinara sauce.
Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful meatball-making experience.
Preparing the Meatballs
Preparing the mixture for chicken meatballs is a crucial step in achieving that perfect blend of flavors and ensuring the meatballs stay juicy and tender. Follow these steps to mix and shape the meatballs properly.
Mixing the Ingredients
To start, combine the torn pieces of bread and the whole milk in a large mixing bowl. Let the bread soak in the milk for a few minutes until it becomes soft and mushy. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped chives, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Incorporating the Ground Chicken
Once the ingredients are well mixed, add the ground chicken to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix the chicken into the bread and herb mixture until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Once combined, form the mixture into small, evenly-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cooking the Meatballs
Cooking your chicken meatballs to perfection involves both browning them in a skillet and finishing them in the oven. This method ensures they are juicy inside with a deliciously crisp exterior. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked meatballs.
Browning the Meatballs
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. The goal is to get a nice golden-brown crust on the meatballs without cooking them all the way through.
Baking the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While the meatballs are baking, you can start heating the tomato or marinara sauce.
Adding the Sauce
Now that your chicken meatballs are perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the delicious tomato or marinara sauce. This step enhances the flavor of the meatballs and makes them ready to serve.
Heating the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, heat 2 cups of tomato or marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even heating. Once the sauce is hot and simmering, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm until the meatballs are ready.
Combining the Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, gently transfer the meatballs to the saucepan with the hot tomato or marinara sauce. Stir the meatballs gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, so they can absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.
Serving and Storing the Meatballs
With your chicken meatballs perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s time to serve them up. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main course, an appetizer, or a tasty addition to pasta, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs hot, straight from the saucepan. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- With Pasta: Toss the meatballs and sauce with your favorite pasta for a classic meal. Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all pair well.
- On a Sub: Make a meatball sub by placing the meatballs and sauce in a toasted hoagie roll, topped with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- With Veggies: Pair the meatballs with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers, follow these storage tips to keep your meatballs fresh:
Refrigeration
- Cool Completely: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Store in Airtight Containers: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool Completely: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Freeze Individually: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze with Sauce: Alternatively, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container.
- Label and Date: Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- From the Refrigerator: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through.
- From the Freezer: Thaw the meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a saucepan or microwave.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your juicy chicken meatballs fresh and flavorful, even as leftovers.
Conclusion
Making juicy chicken meatballs at home is easy and rewarding. With a simple mix of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and ground chicken, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served with pasta, on a sub, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. And with proper storage, you can enjoy them for days or even weeks to come. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and savor the mouthwatering goodness of homemade chicken meatballs.