Best All Purpose Chicken Meatballs Recipes

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ITALIAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Italian Chicken Meatballs image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Nonstick cooking spray, for the foil
2 pounds ground chicken
1/2 cup pesto
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups arugula
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 cup halved yellow cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced jarred roasted peppers
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat on the broiler setting. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • Add the chicken, pesto, mozzarella, Parmesan, balsamic glaze, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper to a large bowl. Mix well with clean hands and form into 15 meatballs, about a third of a cup each, adding them to the prepared sheet pan as you go.
  • Broil until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (165 degrees F internally), 14 to 16 minutes.
  • For the salad: Add the arugula to a platter. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic glaze, then toss lightly. Top with the cherry tomatoes, peppers and Parmesan. Add the meatballs and serve.

CHEESY CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Cheesy Chicken Meatballs image

I have abandoned fatty ground beef in favor of healthier options such as ground chicken and turkey. I can ensure with the perfect additions, these will not be bland nor dry - you will not be missing the beef here.

Provided by Raquel Teixeira

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken

Time 40m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground chicken
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup roasted garlic light cream cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray with cooking spray.
  • Combine the chicken, eggs, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well. Form mixture into 20 meatballs; place on prepared pan.
  • Bake in center of preheated oven until juices run clear, 17 to 18 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237 calories, Carbohydrate 5.2 g, Cholesterol 139.4 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 26.3 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 687.3 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

ALL PURPOSE CHICKEN MEATBALLS



All Purpose Chicken Meatballs image

This recipe comes from a friend and can also be used for ground turkey as well and was originally posted as that, but I used chicken for these. This is really easy and the meatballs are baked which will aide them keeping their shape. Make a batch and freeze them, then use as needed as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, pasta...

Provided by Lee Thayer

Categories     Chicken

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 kg ground chicken or turkey, 2 lbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c onion, minced
2/3 c fresh parsley, chopped
2 eggs
1 c panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat your oven to 180 C. Line a baking sheet with foil.
  • 2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl. I ground 1 kilo (2 lbs) of chicken tenders.
  • 3. Use your hands and mix to just combine, do not over mix as that will result in a tough meatball.
  • 4. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until just cooked through, do not overcook or once again, tough meatballs. One inch meatballs should make about 50 meatballs. I use an ice cream scoop to measure, then place that in your hand and roll that, mine came out to about 1 1/2 inches and I made 26. I baked them for 35 minutes and they were perfect.
  • 5. Now, if you have a specific need for 1 kilo of meatballs at one time, go ahead and use, but more than likely, you are going to freeze these. Let the meatballs cool to room temperature, then place on another baking sheet and put in the freezer, once frozen then place all in a freezer bag or container, then you can take out the meatballs you need for a specific recipe.

GO-WITH-ANYTHING BAKED CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Go-With-Anything Baked Chicken Meatballs image

If you're looking for a simple chicken meatball that's quick to make and goes with a variety of dishes, look no further! We added one large egg and a touch of plain breadcrumbs for binding and structure, as well as ricotta cheese and whole milk for flavor and added moisture. Although you can use ground chicken breast (all white meat) for this recipe, we prefer regular ground chicken, as the extra bit of fattiness from dark meat prevents the meatballs from drying out in the oven. Serve them atop pasta tossed with tomato sauce, layered in a hoagie bun with melty provolone cheese, or on their own with lemony couscous and a simply dressed salad. The cooked meatballs freeze well, so you may want to make a double batch so you can enjoy them every which way.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings; 16 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground chicken
2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 2 ounces)
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup whole milk ricotta
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Position the rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Stir together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, parsley, ricotta, Italian seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt and several grinds of pepper in a large bowl until evenly combined.
  • Roll the mixture into 16 meatballs (about 3 tablespoons each). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer), 22 to 25 minutes.

All-purpose chicken meatballs recipes are a staple in many households because they are quick and easy to prepare, versatile, and delicious. The best thing about these meatballs is that they can be made with a variety of ingredients, and they can be enjoyed in different ways like in salads, sandwiches, tacos or as a main dish. So, what is all-purpose chicken meatballs recipe and what makes it so special? Let's dive in.

Ingredients

One of the things that make all-purpose chicken meatballs recipe special is its versatility in terms of ingredients. Depending on the cook's preference and the occasion, chicken meatballs can be made with a variety of ingredients. Some of these ingredients include:

Ground chicken

Ground chicken is the main ingredient in all-purpose chicken meatballs recipe. It can be found in most grocery stores, and it is relatively affordable. Ground chicken is also low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy option for those who want to watch their diet.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are added to the meatball mixture to give it texture and help the meatballs hold their shape. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice because they are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. However, any type of breadcrumbs will work.

Egg

Egg is added to the meatball mixture to bind the ingredients together. It also adds moisture to the meatballs, making them tender and juicy.

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are added to the meatball mixture to enhance the flavor. Some of the popular herbs and spices used in chicken meatballs recipes include garlic, onion, parsley, paprika, cumin, and chili flakes.

Preparation

All-purpose chicken meatballs recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, and spices. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Do not overmix as it will make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Form meatballs

Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop out the mixture and form it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs, which should be at least 165°F.

Variations

All-purpose chicken meatballs recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit any taste preference. Here are some variations:

Asian-style chicken meatballs

To make Asian-style chicken meatballs, add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the meatball mixture. Serve with a soy dipping sauce.

Mexican-style chicken meatballs

To make Mexican-style chicken meatballs, add chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the meatball mixture. Serve with salsa or guacamole.

Mediterranean-style chicken meatballs

To make Mediterranean-style chicken meatballs, add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil to the meatball mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

Conclusion

All-purpose chicken meatballs recipe is a versatile, easy-to-make, and delicious meal option. With a variety of ingredients and flavor combinations, chicken meatballs can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a party appetizer, all-purpose chicken meatballs recipe is a great choice.

All-purpose chicken meatball recipes are versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from spaghetti to sandwiches. They're also a healthy and delicious alternative to beef or pork meatballs. However, getting the texture and flavor just right can be a challenge. Below are some valuable tips to help you make the perfect all-purpose chicken meatballs.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Chicken

The first step in making all-purpose chicken meatballs is to choose the right chicken. Ground chicken is the most commonly used type of chicken for meatballs. However, not all ground chicken is created equal. Look for ground chicken that is labeled as "ground chicken breast" or "98% fat-free." This type of chicken has less fat and fewer calories than other types of ground chicken, which makes it a healthier option.

Tip 2: Use Good Binders

The key to making meatballs that hold together is to use good binders. Binders are ingredients that help to hold the meatballs together and prevent them from falling apart. Common binders for meatballs include breadcrumbs, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also use rolled oats, cooked rice, or mashed potatoes as binders.

Tip 3: Don't Overwork the Meat

When making all-purpose chicken meatballs, it's important not to overwork the meat. Overworking the meat can cause the meatballs to become tough and dry. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Don't knead or squeeze the mixture too much.

Tip 4: Seasoning is Key

Chicken meatballs can be quite bland if not seasoned properly. Make sure you season the meat mixture well with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano are popular choices for seasoning chicken meatballs. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor.

Tip 5: Experiment with Different Fillers

In addition to binders, you can also add fillers to your chicken meatballs to give them extra flavor and texture. Finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions can add a subtle sweetness to the meat mixture. Chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro can add freshness and flavor. Grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar can add richness and depth of flavor.

Tip 6: Use a Meat Thermometer

One of the biggest challenges when making chicken meatballs is knowing when they are fully cooked. Undercooked chicken can be dangerous to consume, while overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. The best way to ensure that your meatballs are cooked to perfection is to use a meat thermometer. Cook the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tip 7: Consider the Cooking Method

There are several methods for cooking all-purpose chicken meatballs, including baking, frying, and simmering in sauce. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Baked meatballs are healthier and easier to make, but may not have the same depth of flavor as fried or simmered meatballs. Fried meatballs are crispy and have a richer flavor, but are higher in fat and calories. Simmered meatballs have a tender texture and absorb flavor from the sauce, but can be time-consuming to make.

Tip 8: Don't Skimp on Sauce

The sauce you serve with your all-purpose chicken meatballs can make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Whether you choose a tomato-based sauce, a creamy sauce, or a spicy sauce, make sure you use enough sauce to coat the meatballs evenly. The sauce should be well-seasoned and complement the flavor of the meatballs.

Tip 9: Store Meatballs Properly

If you have leftover meatballs, it's important to store them properly to keep them safe and fresh. Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. When reheating meatballs, make sure they are heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

All-purpose chicken meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for a wide range of meals. By following the tips above, you can create meatballs that are flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked. Experiment with different seasonings, fillers, and cooking methods to find your perfect recipe. Happy cooking!

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