Healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that everyone can enjoy. As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I can assure you that these meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Originating from various culinary traditions, meatballs have been a staple in many cultures, often served with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers. What I adore about Healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs is their versatility; they can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices, making them a perfect fit for any meal. People rave about this dish not just for its incredible taste and tender texture, but also for its convenience—baking instead of frying means less mess and healthier results. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Preparing the Mixture

Let’s get started on these delicious and healthy baked chicken meatballs! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and have them ready to go. It makes the process so much smoother. Here’s how I prepare the mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. I find that using a fork helps to break up the chicken and mix everything evenly.
2. Add the chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the bowl. The fresh herbs and aromatics really elevate the flavor of the meatballs.
3. Next, crack the egg into the mixture. This acts as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape while baking.
4. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). I love the hint of spice that the red pepper flakes add, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
5. Now, it’s time to get your hands in there! Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Shaping the Meatballs

Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. This is where the fun begins!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I like to get the oven going while I’m shaping the meatballs so that they can go straight in once I’m done.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Using your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. I usually aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatball on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into meatballs. You should end up with about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.

Baking the Meatballs

Now that the meatballs are shaped, it’s time to bake them to perfection!

1. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs. This helps them get a nice golden color while baking.
2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I like to turn them halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly.
3. Once they’re done, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

These healthy baked chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

1. Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce for a classic Italian dish. I like to heat the sauce in a small saucepan and then pour it over the meatballs before serving.
2. For a lighter option, toss the meatballs in a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
3. Make a meatball sub by placing the meatballs in a whole grain roll, topping with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, then broiling until the cheese is melted.
4. Pair the meatballs with whole grain pasta or zucchini

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without compromising on flavor. Packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients, they make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack. The versatility of this recipe is one of its standout features; you can serve them with a zesty marinara sauce over whole grain pasta, toss them into a fresh salad, or even enjoy them on their own with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. Feel free to get creative with variations—add some chopped spinach or grated zucchini for an extra veggie boost, or experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. You could even swap out the chicken for turkey or a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for something different. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see how easy it is to whip up a batch of these flavorful meatballs. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s inspire each other to make healthy eating enjoyable and fun! Remember, these Healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs are not just a meal; they’re a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 40 minutes
   • Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   These healthy baked chicken meatballs are flavorful and nutritious, made with ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs. Perfect for serving with marinara sauce, in salads, or as meatball subs, they offer a versatile and delicious meal option.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground chicken
   • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
   • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a fork to break up the chicken and mix everything evenly.
   2. Add the chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the bowl.
   3. Crack the egg into the mixture to act as a binder.
   4. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
   7. Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatball on the prepared baking sheet.
   8. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into meatballs, yielding about 20-24 meatballs.
   9. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs.
   10. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn them halfway through baking for even browning.
   11. Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

   Notes

   • Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
   • These meatballs can be frozen for later use; just bake them, let them cool, and store in an airtight container.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes