Chicken Meatballs with Sauce: A Family Favorite
Are you ready to bring a little joy to your dining table? Let me introduce you to Chicken Meatballs with Sauce, a dish that is deliciously juicy, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to make! Picture this: tender meatballs swimming in a rich and savory sauce that is perfect for mopping up with crusty bread or spooning over fluffy rice. And did you know that meatballs can be traced back to ancient Roman times? That’s right! They have been a family favorite for generations and continue to bring people together around the dinner table.
What makes this dish so special is its simple preparation and the fact that it’s perfect for the whole family. You can whip it up in just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Plus, if you’ve ever enjoyed our classic spaghetti and meatballs, just wait until you see how these chicken meatballs shine in their own spotlight! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a go-to in your home.
What is Chicken Meatballs with Sauce?
Now, you may be wondering, “What’s the deal with Chicken Meatballs with Sauce?” Well, these little bites of joy are ground chicken formed into meatballs and simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. But why call them “meatballs” anyway? Sounds like a fun name, right? Some say it’s because they are a ball of meat! And if the classic saying holds true, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” then these delightful meatballs are sure to win over anyone with an appetite! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a family gathering, this dish is bound to impress, so why not give it a try?
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
What’s not to love about Chicken Meatballs with Sauce? First, these meatballs are the highlight of any meal, offering tenderness and a delightful texture that can’t be beat. They soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making each bite a taste of happiness! Second, making these at home is cost-effective and fun; you’ll save money while enjoying a meal that tastes gourmet. Plus, by adding your favorite spices or vegetables, you can customize them however you like.
Lastly, the sauce! Oh, the sauce. It is a wonderful blend of tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings that elevates these meatballs to a whole new level. If you’ve enjoyed our popular marinara sauce with pasta, then trust me—this sauce will become your new favorite! So roll up your sleeves, gather your family, and let’s indulge in the deliciousness that is Chicken Meatballs with Sauce!
How to Make Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
Quick Overview
Making Chicken Meatballs with Sauce is easier than you might think! In just about 30 minutes, you can have a plateful of these incredible meatballs bathed in a scrumptious sauce, ready to impress your family or guests. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a flavorful sauce makes for a satisfying and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Simmer in Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken meatballs warm over pasta, rice, or on their own. Enjoy every delightful bite!
What to Serve Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
To create a satisfying meal, consider pairing your Chicken Meatballs with Sauce with a light salad topped with fresh ingredients, or serve alongside buttery garlic bread for an extra treat. A side of roasted vegetables can add a colorful touch to your plate. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, a chilled glass of sparkling water or lemonade would perfectly complement the savory flavors of this dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed crackers or oats can work as fantastic alternatives.
- Cooking Time Variance: Ensure your chicken meatballs are cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Freezing Tips: If you want to make a larger batch, prepare the meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Just pull them out when needed and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough.
Storing and Reheating Tips
When you have leftovers (if they last that long!), store your Chicken Meatballs with Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use a microwave or a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-friendly bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.
Now that you have all the details for this delectable Chicken Meatballs with Sauce recipe, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight your taste buds! This recipe is not only a wonderfully family-friendly meal, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to your weekly meal planning. Happy cooking!
Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken Fresh ground chicken is preferred.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Can substitute with crushed crackers or oats.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley Fresh parsley is best.
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg Large egg is recommended.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds flavor to the meatballs.
For the Sauce
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz) Store-bought or homemade can be used.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and let them simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serving
- Serve the chicken meatballs warm over pasta, rice, or on their own. Enjoy!
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